MEMBER FOCUS
98th Annual Conference recap
98th Annual Conference – A Successful Homecoming
CSEA’s 98th Annual Conference was one for the ages with the Association’s hometown playing host to over 1,500 delegates from across the state.
Over five days at the San Jose Convention Center, CSEA siblings voted on resolutions, celebrated their triumphs from the past year, and looked ahead to the Association’s 99th Annual Conference next year.
Putting words to action, delegates took part in the democratic process that makes CSEA unique. With 11 resolutions presented for action by delegates, two nights of spirited debate and voting showed the power of what being a member-governed organization means.
New Delegates
Each Annual Conference features delegates getting their first up-close look at CSEA’s democracy in action. The annual March of the New Delegates was a reminder of how important it is that union siblings participate in the workings of the union each year.
“I had never seen it before, we are truly member led and I saw how the democracy is supposed to work.”
- Susan Wing, Chapter Secretary and delegate from Benicia Chapter 1096
CSEA Honor Roll: Dale Sorenson
One of the many highlights of Annual Conference is the robust awards program with members across the state honored for their contributions to the union over the previous year.
Some awards, though, go far beyond a single year and honor a lifetime of service and activism on behalf of union siblings. Such was the case for Dale Sorenson, who was awarded placement on the prestigious CSEA Honor Roll via a unanimous vote.
“I love this Association,” Sorensen told delegates. “I’ve gotten to go places, see things, that I would have never imagined for a boy from Newberry Springs, California.”
Among other awards were the Members of the Year, awarded to four CSEA siblings who truly embody the union’s Core Values and what it means to be a classified employee.
“I love this Association. I’ve gotten to go places, see things, that I would have never imagined for a boy from Newberry Springs, California.”
- Dale Sorenson
Celebrated with personalized videos and heartfelt tributes, Sandra Clark, Esiblaliz Diaz, Erik Duane, and Irenea Herrera will be forever enshrined in CSEA history.
To view full write-ups on all of this year’s award winners, head to the news page at CSEA.com.
Ed Days
Opportunities to gain knowledge on and off the job is part of what makes the CSEA union experience so valuable.
On two mornings, delegates were treated to a host of those opportunities as part of the return of Education Days.
With topics ranging from resume building and financial wellness, to chapter building and learning to understand district budgets, delegates left San Jose even better equipped to lead their chapters and communities.
"There were so many trainings that were more personal to me,” said Stephanie Meyers, delegate from Westminster Chapter 34. “There were more things that were for more personal growth. So, that was the five buckets and the conflict resolution (courses). It was all personal to me and having those options this year was exciting. I was really excited about Ed Days this year."
Pass the Bucket
The Pass the Bucket challenge is one of the most lively and anticipated events at Annual Conference, when members come together to ensure their union siblings in need have a place to turn to when life deals them a difficult hand.
Over the course of both the Pass the Bucket time and donations throughout the 98th Annual Conference, for the second straight year members raised over $100,000 with $101,537 going to the Dorothy Bjork Assistance Fund.
Over the course of both the Pass the Bucket time and donations throughout the 98th Annual Conference, for the second straight year members raised over $100,000 with $101,537 going to the Dorothy Bjork Assistance Fund. Bambi Mayfield was posthumously inducted to the CSEA Honor Roll – one of the union’s highest honors. Mayfield, who retired from Butte College Chapter 511 and belonged to Oroville Council 5045, passed away last year and was remembered for her decades of service to CSEA and her selfless efforts to help others.
HQ Tours
With Annual Conference returning to San Jose for the first time since 2017, members had the unique opportunity to take tours of CSEA’s Headquarters building, which was a short drive from the convention center.
On guided tours, delegates saw inside all the different departments that help run the day-to-day operations of their union. Eagle-eyed delegates could even look for cutout pictures of Association President Adam Weinberger posted around the building.
“I think the Core Values at the very front was very inspiring,” said James Wong, delegate from San Mateo COE Chapter 887. “Especially the art and some of the movement throughout the years and history, it’s almost like a museum in there. It’s very interesting.”
From CSEA’s in-house print shop to the remodeled Board Room, members got a behind the scenes look at what makes their union operate each day.
2024 Resolutions
Delegates voted on four resolutions brought to the floor for consideration.
Resolution No. 1: Creating One CSEA Budget
This resolution was adopted as amended
Resolution No. 6: Overtime Pay
This resolution was defeated
Resolution No. 7: Management and Supervisory Position Artificially Inflating Compensation
This resolution was defeated
Resolution No. 8: The Application of California Labor Code to Public and School Employees
This resolution was withdrawn by the submitting chapter
Resolution No. 9: Cola Parity
This resolution was defeated
Resolution No. 10: Parameters for Maximum Salary for School District, County Department of Education and Community College Districts Superintendents
This resolution was defeated
Resolution No. 11: (No Title)
This resolution was defeated
Resolution No. 12: Pension
This resolution was defeated
CSEA members support hotel workers on the picket line
This year’s Annual Conference became about more than just CSEA when delegates took a break from their schedules to support another labor movement.
With nearly 700 San Jose hotel workers without contracts, UNITE HERE! Local 19, which represents those workers, held informational pickets the week of Annual Conference.
When it was learned that Local 19 planned to picket on the first day of Annual Conference, Conference Committee members and CSEA staff moved swiftly to print and assemble hundreds of picket signs. After breaking midway through the first business meeting on Monday afternoon, over 1,000 delegates wearing CSEA blue packed the streets of downtown San Jose in support of their union peers.
