Welcome
Welcome to the IUOE State Unit 12 website. IUOE Locals 3, 39, and 501 collectively represent some 250 city, county, special districts, and schools bargaining units within the Public Sector in addition to State Unit 12.
The three Locals have some 150 full time Union business agents actively servicing the membership, a team of Union Legislative Representatives who monitor all legislation, actively oppose harmful legislation, actively carry bills that are beneficial to our members.
Breaking News:
IUOE sends letter to CalHR requesting FFCRA & AB 1867 benefits update – February 12, 2021
IUOE Unit 12 Bargaining Survey is now available on this website – February 10, 2021
Unit 12 Update for 2021 – January 13, 2021
CDCR and CHCF tell IUOE Unit 12 that our members can volunteer for the COVID-19 virus vaccination, but it will not be mandatory – December 28, 2020
Can I be Fired for Refusing to Get the Coronavirus Vaccination? – December 10, 2020
IUOE Sends Letter to CalHR Director Requesting The Pay Cut (PLP 2020) To End – November 19, 2020
It’s Time to End the Pay Cuts Governor Newsom – November 19, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 Alternate Workweek Schedule Request Form – October 28, 2020
Bearded workers at California prisons fight orders to shave for N95 fittings
IUOE Unit 12 expects Department of Water Resources (DWR) to honor new contract language on Alternate Workweek Schedules – October 26, 2020
Administration Suspends Leave Reduction Policies – October 21, 2020
With no federal aid package, California state worker pay cuts are here to stay
Caltrans responds to PLP Leave Credit Grievance and Unfair filed by IUOE Unit 12 – September 28, 2020
In addition to the grievance we filed against Caltrans over the botched administration of the PLP 2020 leave credit program, IUOE has also filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge against them – September 16, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 files grievance against Caltrans for their management incompetency in
administering the 2020 Personal Leave Program leave credits - September 2, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 has been assured by CalHR that the OPEB/CBERT deduction should not be on the August pay warrants – August 18, 2020
IUOE Local 3 has two more payroll grievance wins against Caltrans – August 4, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 Update – July 24, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 Ratification Results – July 20, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 Ballot information – July 9, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 Ratification of the Unit 12 Tentative Agreement – July 1, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 files COVID-19 Health and Safety grievance against Caltrans – June 29, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 reaches a Tentative Agreement with the State of California – June 25, 2020
Governor’s Office of Labor Relations (CalHR) rejects IUOE Unit 12 proposal exempting all “essential” Unit 12 workers from pay cuts – June 19, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 sends letter to the Governor urging him to recognize our Essential members – June 15, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 Bargaining Update #9 – June 12, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 Bargaining Team - Union Strong! – June 11, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 makes proposal to exempt all of Unit 12 employees from the furloughs – June 10, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 Bargaining Update #8 – June 4, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 Bargaining Update #7 – June 1, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 Bargaining Team to return to the Table – May 26, 2020
Save Your Pay! Call Today! – May 19, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 & 13 Budget Update – May 15, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 & 13 proposes Golden Handshake retirement incentive for its members – May 13, 2020
PERB issues complaint against Department of General Services for not notifying IUOE Unit 12 of uniform changes – May 12, 2020
IUOE Unit 12, Local 3 chalks up two grievance wins against Caltrans – May 4, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 Files FFCRA Grievance Against CDCR – April 29, 2020
California excludes health care workers, emergency responders from federal sick leave
IUOE Unit 12 Health and Safety Grievance Response at Caltrans - April 9, 2020
Extra pay for essential workers? California state unions press for coronavirus incentives
Families First Coronavirus Response Act FAQ's – April 8, 2020
CalHR Policy - Families First Coronavirus Response Act
IUOE Unit 12 negotiations suspended through May 1st
IUOE Unit 12 makes proposal to CalHR that BU 12 and 13 workers who are designated as essential and cannot telework from home, but still have report to work, should receive recognition – March 23, 2020
CalHR issues new Directive on COVID 19 and workplace impact – March 18, 2020
IUOE Bargaining Unit 12 Negotiations Update #4 – March 16, 2020
Caltrans agrees with IUOE’s request to suspend homeless encampment cleanups – March 16, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 files Health and Safety grievances against Caltrans, Department of General Services (DGS), and State Parks for potentially exposing the Maintenance Workers and Groundskeepers to the Coronavirus while performing homeless encampment cleanups – March 12, 2020
IUOE Local 39 files Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge against the Department of General Services – March 11, 2020
IUOE Bargaining Unit 12 Negotiations Update #3 – March 6, 2020
If You Work at Caltrans, You Should Read This – February 28, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 has it’s second bargaining session with the State – February 27, 2020
IUOE Unit 12 has it’s first day at the negotiating table – February 7, 2020
IUOE Bargaining Unit 12 to begin negotiations for a successor contract – January 16, 2020
CalPIA Board kills their General Facilities Maintenance and Repair (GFMR) Program – December 30, 2019
IUOE Unit 12 Representatives tour CHP Cordelia Inspection Station – November 14, 2019
IUOE Unit 12 wins another pay grievance against Caltrans – November 5, 2019
IUOE Local 3 wins overtime distribution grievance against Caltrans – October 30, 2019
IUOE Unit 12 files grievance against Caltrans for the misuse of Permanent Intermittent employees – October 25, 2019
California prison agency spent $12,000 on retiring manager’s farewell party, records show – October 16, 2019
IUOE Unit 12 representatives meet for the second time with the new CalPIA General Manager, Scott Walker about the GFMR Program and our demand to end it – October 15, 2019
Caltrans to strip Highway 99 expansion funds – October 8, 2019
State workers attacked by homeless people in Sacramento may carry pepper spray, state says – October 7, 2019
IUOE Local 501 hits a Grand Slam against CDCR – October 2, 2019
Caltrans finally develops a protocol for homeless encampment cleanups along with an in-person statewide training program – October 1, 2019
Caltrans agrees to pay Unit 12 member $410.10 for late payment of wages – September 27, 2019
Homeless attacks on state workers in Sacramento prompt pepper spray request – September 18, 2019
Unit 12 files DGS Health & Safety Groundskeeper Assault Grievance - September 18, 2019
State Groundskeepers Attacked By Downtown Sacramento Homeless – CBS Sacramento – September 17, 2019
Where's the money Caltrans? – September 16, 2019
IUOE Local 501 reaches $10,000 settlement with CalPIA over dispute about painting – September 11, 2019
What happened to the billions of dollars of SB 1 gas tax money that Caltrans said would be going to highway/freeway road maintenance? - August 29, 2019
Unit 12 Non-Members Have No Say and No Vote When We Begin Formulating Our Bargaining Proposals For 2020 Negotiations - August 14, 2019
Clarification on Caltrans Mileage Reimbursement for Planned/Scheduled Overtime or a Callback – July 31, 2019
California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Grants IUOE Unit 12 Grievance and Pulls Bogus Performance Appraisal – July 30, 2019
IUOE Unit 12 representatives meet with the new General Manager of CalPIA - Scott Walker – July 2, 2019
Caltrans is paying for top official’s San Diego-to-Sacramento flights, and her apartment – June 24, 2019
You Have a Right to Refuse Hazardous Work. JUST STOP DOING IT AND SAY NO! – June 21, 2019
It’s not a new concept for the Federal Government, but it is for the State of California, Locality Pay. – June 11, 2019
Another Reason Our Caltrans Members Should Not Be Cleaning Up Homeless Encampments – May 31, 2019
Nearly half of state-owned office buildings outside Sacramento would be up for sale under new plan - May 29, 2019
IUOE Unit 12 Prevails in Department of Water Resources Arbitration Case – May 20, 2019
IUOE Unit 12 Reaches Settlement Agreement with Salinas Valley State Prison- Psychiatric Inpatient Program (SVSP-PIP) on Work Jurisdiction Issue – May 13, 2019
Blood and syringes: Caltrans fined after union complaint over homeless camp cleanups - May 9, 2019
Big Win for IUOE Unit 12! CalOSHA Issues Citation and Monetary Penalties Against Caltrans on Homeless Encampment Cleanup – May 8, 2019
IUOE Unit 12 Reaches Settlement Agreement with Department of Education Over 18.3 Violation - May 6, 2019
IUOE Unit 12 Sonoma Developmental Center Groundskeeper is awarded over $1,000 in make whole remedy – April 25, 2019
Workers Memorial Information – April 23, 2019
Congratulations to Unit 12 Member Jorge Lopez from Metro State Hospital – April 11, 2019
IUOE Settles Two CDCR Grievances at the California Training Facility (CTF) – April 4, 2019
Another Benefit of Being an IUOE Unit 12 Member – April 2, 2019
IUOE Settles Another CDCR Grievance – March 20, 2019
IUOE Unit 12 Reaches Settlement Agreement with CDCR Corcoran Prison on M&SS I Work Jurisdiction Grievance – March 12, 2019
Public Sector Union Members Dodge the Pension Bullet – March 5, 2019
An error-free state payroll? It’ll be at least four more years, controller says - February 25, 2019
If You Change Bargaining Units or Move Out of Unit 12 You Need to Let Us Know – February 20, 2019
Union Membership Benefits Camp Fire Victims – February 15, 2019
Arbitrator Prihar Rules in Favor of IUOE Unit 12 on CDCR Soledad Work Jurisdiction Grievance – February 5, 2019
IUOE Unit 12 Representatives Participate in CalOSHA Advisory Committee Meeting on Passive Safety Devices for Brush and Wood Chippers – January 30, 2019
IUOE Unit 12 Hits Three Home Runs Against CDCR – January 25, 2019
Most likely you have Car, Life, Homeowners or Renters Insurance, but what about Job Insurance? – January 15, 2019
The New Governor Needs to Invest in His State Work Force – January 7, 2019
IUOE Unit 12, Local 39 Wins Work Jurisdiction Grievance against Department of Education – December 26, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Files Grievance Against The State For Hiring Approximately 130 Retired Annuitants Instead Of Active Employees - November 29, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 to File CalOSHA Complaint Against Caltrans on Homeless Encampment Cleanups - November 7, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Establishes Classification Committee to Update and Revise Electronic Technician - October 29, 2018
Pit Bull Bites Caltrans Worker Taking Pictures of a Homeless Encampment - October 18, 2018
CalPIA Rejects IUOE Unit 12’s Recommendation for Better Skilled Trades Training - October 17, 2018
Are You Angry and Upset About the CalPIA GFMR Program? If so, Go to the Next CalPIA Board Meeting and Let Them Know How You Feel – Updated meeting date and time - October 1, 2018
Governor Signs Legislation To Protect Public Sector Unions Against Frivolous and Costly Lawsuits - September 19, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Representatives Meet with Parks and Recreation on Reorganization Plan – September 14, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Files Another Grievance Against Caltrans For Forcing Our Members To Cleanup Homeless Encampments – August 29, 2018
2018 Open Enrollment Toolkit for Health, Dental, Vision, Reimbursement Accounts, and Cash Options - August 28, 2018
CHP Changes Course on CVIS PVI Training from Mandatory to Voluntary – August 22, 2018
It's Early, but it's Time to Begin Preparations for Our Next Round of Contract Negotiations – August 13, 2018
Supreme Court rules San Diego skipped key legal step in taking pension reform to voters – August 3, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Representatives Attend CHP PVI Training for Commercial Vehicle Inspection Specialists – July 31, 2018
More Proof That The Janus U.S. Supreme Court Case Had Nothing To Do With Freedom Of Speech – July 23, 2018
The Wins Keep On Coming. IUOE Unit 12, Local 501 Reaches Settlement With CDCR, Ironwood State Prison Over Post And Bid Violation – July 23, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Sends Another Opposition Letter to CalPIA On Their Problem-Plagued GFMR Program – July 18, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Local 3 Reaches Settlement Agreement with Caltrans District 1 - July 16, 2018
Feces, blood, syringes at California Capitol: Workers unprepared for clean up, OSHA says - July 3, 2018
CalOSHA Issues Nine Citations and Penalties Against the Department of General Services for Health and Safety Violations at the State Capitol Park – July 2, 2018
US Supreme Court Makes Huge Mistake in Janus Decision - June 27, 2018
CalPERS Adopts Health Rates With a 1.16 Percent Increase - June 20, 2018
State Personnel Board (SPB) Disapproves CalPIA Multi-Million Dollar Trucking Contracts. Huge Win for IUOE Local 501 - June 15, 2018
IUOE Unit 12, Local 39 Files Grievance Against CDCR Dual Vocational Institute (DVI) For Forcing Our Members To Perform Work Not In Their Job Specifications - June 15, 2018
All IUOE Unit 12 Members To Receive A 3.5% General Salary Increase Effective July 1, 2018
Caltrans Responds to Our Health and Safety Homeless Camp Cleanup Grievance with a Bogus Response - June 8, 2018
San Francisco's Homeless Crisis Is Now a Poop Crisis - June 5, 2018
How Many Arbitration Decisions Does PIA And CDCR Have To Lose Before They Get The Message - June 4, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Files Statewide Grievance Against The Department Of Parks And Recreation For Forcing Our Members To Clean Up Homeless Encampments – May 24, 2018
IUOE Local 39 Files Grievance against CalOES and receives favorable settlement - May 21, 2018
Blood, syringes, feces: Caltrans workers seek protections for clearing homeless camps - April 30, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Files Statewide Grievance Against Caltrans For Putting Our Members In Harm’s Way - April 23, 2018
California state workers would get paid twice a month if this bill passes - April 12, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Local 39 Files CalOSHA Complaint Against DGS - April 2, 2018
CalPERS' Board Incumbents Notice Intention to Run for Re-Election - March 29, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 works with State Controller’s Office to correct the new dues implementation - March 29, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Fights Back Against EDD Background Checks - March 22, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Representatives Meet with New Caltrans Director - March 14, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Local 39 Files CalOSHA Complaint Against Salinas Valley State Prison - March 8, 2018
CalPERS will host a Benefits Education Event in Redding on March 23-24, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Local 501 Scores a Big Victory at Department of Food and Agriculture - February 21, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Dues Realignment - February 16, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Local 501 Wins Late Pay Grievance Against Caltrans - February 9, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Wins Another Grievance at CDCR - January 31, 2018
Unit 12 Dues Realignment - January 25, 2018
Divestment Hurts Pensioners, not Fossil Fuel Companies - January 24, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Wins Arbitration Against California Correctional Health Care Services - January 24, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Files Grievance Against CalPIA Over GFMR Program- January 18, 2018
IUOE Unit 12 Sends Letter To the Governor Regarding the $19.3 billion Surplus - January 12, 2018
IUOE Local 39 Wins Another Arbitration Case Against CDCR - January 9, 2018
Even Though It’s Legal, You Can Still Lose Your Job Over It - December 29, 2017
IUOE Unit 12 Sends Letter to PIA General Manager Opposing Their GFMR Program - December 18, 2017
IUOE Local 39 Wins an Important Arbitration Decision that Protects Your Work - December 5, 2017
Department of Transportation Amends Drug Testing Policy to Add Additional Drugs to its Regulation - November 28, 2017
Arbitrator Rules Partially in Favor of IUOE Local 39 Grievance Against CHP - November 20, 2017
IUOE Local 39 Files Grievance Against General Services for Forcing Groundskeepers at State Capitol to Clean Up Human Waste and Needles - November 8, 2017
IUOE Local 501 Saves Member From A 36 Month Wage Deduction - November 2, 2017
One Thousand Additional Positions at Caltrans - Maybe Not - October 19, 2017
IUOE Unit 12 Representatives Attend Department of Parks and Recreation Town Hall Meeting on Reorganization - October 13, 2017
IUOE Unit 12 Reaches Settlement Agreement with CalOES on Uniform Unfair - October 5, 2017
IUOE Director of Public Employees Meets with Governor - September 21, 2017
IUOE Endorses David Miller for CalPERS At-Large Position A - August 30, 2017
CalPERS Announces Start of 2017 Member-at-Large Board Election; Date of Candidate Forum - August 24, 2017
Out of Class - August 18, 2017
Can they make me do that? - August 9, 2017
CalPERS_News_Release_Health Plan Open Enrollment - August 4, 2017
IUOE Unit 12 files Unfair against CalOES and PERB issues COMPLAINT - August 3, 2017
IUOE files grievance at CDCR, CMF over change of work hours and Wins - July 27, 2017
IUOE Unit 12 Dues Realignment Update - July 21, 2017
Before CalPERS can save the world, public workers want it to save their pensions - July 17, 2017
IUOE Local 501 Has Big Arbitration Win Against CDCR - July 7, 2017
IUOE Locals Support Dave Williams - June 23, 2017
CalHR announces that Director Richard Gillihan will be accepting positon at CalPERS - June 14, 2017
IUOE Representatives Meet with CDCR Chief of Labor Relations on Recruitment and Retention Problems - June 7, 2017
International Union of Operating Engineers Endorses John Chiang for Governor in 2018 - June 7, 2017
IUOE Unit 12 letter to the State regarding Probation Period - June 1, 2017
IUOE Unit 12 Representatives Meet With the Department of General Services over Union - May 22, 2017
IUOE Unit 12 Representatives Meet with the State Controller’s Office Regarding Pay Issues - May 16, 2017
CalHR denies IUOE’s timely payment of wages grievance - May 15, 2017
CalHR releases Unit 12 Pay Letter for processing by the State Controller’s Office - May 11, 2017
What is a Union?
Sacramento Bee article - May 9, 2017
California's Vietnam era pay system delaying state worker wage hikes, union says. Click here to see the article
Unit 12 Letter to the Governor - May 9, 2017
Click here to see the Unit 12 Letter to the Governor
Grievance filed - April 26, 2017
Today, April 26, 2017, The International Union of Operating Engineers Locals 3, 39, and 501 filed a grievance against the State of California for a delayed payment of our negotiated wage increases and retroactive pay. We will keep you informed of the outcome of the filing. Click here to see the grievance details
27th Annual Workers Memorial
Caltrans to Honor 187 Fallen Highway Workers at the 27th Annual Workers Memorial on April 27, 2017. Click here to see event details
Unit 12 Update - March 23, 2017
As you know last Wednesday, March 15th, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 28 (Pan), our collective bargaining memorandum of understanding (MOU) legislation.
The bill contains a wage increase, special salary adjustments for thirty seven classifications, retro pay for these increases, and an adjustment to the employer’s contribution to health care premiums, to name just a few of our economic improvements.
What we thought would be a short journey for the bill through the legislature turned out to be much longer than all of the unions covered by the legislation anticipated. On top of that, there seems to be a variety of delays in getting the State Controller’s Office to implement the payroll changes.
We had hoped to see the improvements on the April check, but from what we have been told by CalHR these may not show up on our members’ checks until June.
The reason we have been given for the delay is because of the State Controller’s antiquated payroll system and their current backlog.
Once we get a firm date for the implementation, we will put that out in an email blast and post it on our website.
In Solidarity,
IUOE Unit 12
Unit 12 Update - February 8, 2017
Before any of the provisions of our new tentative agreement can be effective, it must be ratified by our Union members and the California State Legislature.
As you know, our members ratified the tentative agreement on January 27, 2017.
Now that the legislature has reconvened, our tentative agreement (M.O.U. bill) is moving through the legislature. It was passed 3 to 2 out of the Senate Public Employment and Retirement Committee on Monday on a party line vote. It is now set for a vote in the Senate Committee on Appropriations Thursday.
Once our bill (Senate Bill 28 by Pan) passes both houses and is signed by the Governor it becomes law and the ratification process is complete.
As soon as this happens CalHR and the State Controller’s Office will begin implementing the economic (raises, health care, reimbursements) provisions of the new M.O.U. The timing of this depends on when the legislature completes the process.
In Solidarity,
The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 3, 39, and 501
Unit 12 Ratification Result - January 27, 2017
We are pleased to announce that after nearly 20 months and 43 bargaining sessions (including three mediation sessions) the tentative agreement reached with the State on December 13, 2016 has been overwhelmingly accepted by our members and ratified.
The I.U.O.E. would like to thank our bargaining team members for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance during this arduous process. We would also like to thank our members who supported our fight for a fair and equitable contract by showing up at rallies and demonstrations at CalHR and other various State worksites.
Your participation and willingness to stand up and fight back has not gone unnoticed by this administration. We will continue to press forward and take a strong stand at each and every opportunity we get.
In Solidarity,
The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 3, 39, and 501
Unit 12 Tentative Agreement - December 13, 2016
After 20 months, over 40 bargaining sessions, three mediation sessions, and a declaration of impasse, your Unit 12 bargaining team reached a new tentative agreement with the State on December 13, 2016.
Click here to see the Tentative Agreement Summary
Unit 12 Ballots - January 3, 2017
The ballots are in the mail for all active dues paying members of Unit 12. If you have not received a ballot by January 11, 2017, please send an email to debbie@unit12.org no later than January 16, 2017 with your name, mailing address and last four of your ssn to request a duplicate ballot.
The ballots must be received in the Post Office Box by January 26, 2017. Ballots will be counted on January 27, 2017.
Unit 12 State Employees Have a Lawful Right to Strike
Click here to read about Impasse, Mediation and the Right to Strike
Do Miss This!!! Unit 12 Demonstration for Fair Pay on December 2, 2016
Please plan to attend a Demonstration for Fair Pay on December 2, 2016. Click here to see the Demonstration Flyer for time and location details.
Bargaining Unit 12 Update - November 3, 2016
On Wednesday, November 2, 2016, the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) approved the Union’s request for impasse. PERB has assigned a mediator to assist the State and the Union in reaching an agreement. The parties are attempting to schedule mediation for the fourth or fifth week of November.
We will continue our fight for a fair and equitable contract.
In Solidarity,
Your Unit 12 Bargaining Team
Bargaining Unit 12 Update - October 27, 2016
The Unit 12 bargaining team met with the State for the third time on Tuesday, October 25th in pre-impasse mediation. The parties are still apart on the amount of the general salary increases, the amount of the employee contribution for retiree medical (OPEB), and the duration of the agreement. On Wednesday, October 26th, we resubmitted our request for impasse to the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). PERB has five days to grant or deny our request for impasse. Our fight for a fair and equitable contract continues on.
In Solidarity,
Your Unit 12 Bargaining Team
Bargaining Unit 12 Update - October 19, 2016
We met in mediation yesterday for the second time and we still don't have an agreement. We will be back in mediation next Tuesday, October 25th.
In Solidarity,
Your Unit 12 Bargaining Team
Letter sent to Legislative Leadership - October 10, 2016
Read the letter sent to the leadership of the State Legislature concerning our fight for a fair and reasonable contract
Bargaining Unit 12 Update - September 27, 2016
We had a positive mediation session with the State yesterday. Our next mediation session is set for October 18, 2016.
In Solidarity,
Your Unit 12 Bargaining Team
Bargaining Unit 12 Update - September 14, 2016
The International Union of Operating Engineers and the State have agreed to participate in pre-impasse mediation in a good faith effort to find common ground and reach a tentative agreement on a new contract. The mediation date is set for Monday, September 26, 2016.
In Solidarity,
Your Unit 12 Bargaining Team
Buzz Harlow, Mike Howard, Troy Laabs, Robert Estrada, Todd Allen, Dan Christensen, and Richard Johnson
Special message from Local 501 Business Manager Edward J. Curly
Business Manager Edward J. Curly and the entire Local 501 family are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news of the passing of Brother Jorge Lopez. On Thursday, September 1, 2016, Brother Lopez was struck and killed by a big rig on state route 14 in Acton, California during the course of his duties working to keep our highways safe. On behalf of Edward J. Curly, Local 501 extends our deepest condolences to the Lopez family, friends, colleagues, and extended CalTrans family on the loss of one of our State of California CalTrans workers and Union member. Brother Lopez is survived by his wife Leticia and three children.
Unit 12 Update: September 6, 2016
In the Sept. 2 Sacramento Bee Article: "Brown Dining with Donors as he Weighs What to Sign," false statements were written about political contributions made by various organizations of the California Operating Engineers. In fact, what occurred is the following:
- IUOE contributed $250,000 in the past three months to the No on Prop 53 campaign (including $125,000 from the International in Washington D.C). Money was not contributed to the Governor's account.
- Lobbyists and business managers representing California Operating Engineers did not privately dine with the Governor nor do they plan to in the future.
- However, we have engaged in discussions with the Governor in regard to Units 12 and 13 contract negotiations, as this remains one of California Operating Engineers' top priorities. We continue to seek further engagement with the administration -- specifically top Governor Brown aide, Nancy McFadden -- and both legislative leaders.
Furthermore, we are seeking a correction from the Sacramento Bee.
Unit 12 Update: August 28, 2016
The Unit 12 bargaining team met with the State last Thursday and the State is still maintaining their previous position with respect to general salary increases, retiree medical (OPEB), the Caltrans once a month payroll conversion, and the classification special salary adjustments. We gave it one last chance before the legislature recesses and it was unsuccessful. We will proceed with our filing for Impasse with the Public Employment Relations Board.
There are no actions or events scheduled at this time. The next step with the State will be mediation. In the meantime please continue to contact your local legislators and let them know how unhappy you are with the State's latest proposal and that the State should not be playing favorites amongst bargaining units.
Back at it again: Going back to bargaining on Thursday, Aug. 25
We are going back to the bargaining table with the State of California on Thursday, August 25, 2016. Stay tuned for news and updates.
BU12 Bargaining Update: August 19, 2016
At the end of our negotiation session yesterday afternoon the Union declared impasse. While the State reversed their position on moving the monies for the special salary adjustments for the classifications and the increases for the boot and uniform allowances to the general salary increase (GSI) for the third year (thus restoring them as in the previous tentative agreement) they are still holding firm on the 3%, 4%, and 3% GSI and the phase in of the 4.6% OPEB employee contribution. No other unit is being asked to agree to an OPEB percentage this high. At the end of the session CalHR, when asked if they had any more room for movement on these two issues, replied that they didn’t, therefore the impasse declaration. If we don’t return to the table in the next five days we will proceed with our filing for Impasse with PERB. Please share this information with your co-workers.
This should help you understand What Is Impasse?
What does impasse mean?
Under collective bargaining law, when the parties have reached a point in meeting and negotiating at which differences are so substantial or prolonged that future meetings would be futile, they are said to be at an impasse. Bargaining law establishes a set of procedures to follow when an impasse exists. The first step in the impasse procedure is mediation.
What is mediation?
In mediation, the state appoints a third-party mediator who meets with the parties with the objective of mutually resolving existing differences in order to reach an agreement.
Since we declared impasse, can the parties now only meet and negotiate with the mediator?
The parties are able to return to the bargaining table at any time, with or without, the mediator’s assistance.
Back at it!
IUOE and its bargaining team will be back at the table bargaining on
Aug. 18 & 19. If you are a full member and wish to receive email updates, please send your personal email to: debbie@unit12.org
August 15, 2016: Call and email your legistlator's now!
Use this link to find out who your legislator is and how to contact them. Find your California Rep now!
Call or email them to tell them what you think of the state's latest offer.
August 8, 2016: (Read entire update . . . )
As you know, the membership voted and overwhelming rejected the tentative agreement on July 6th. Yesterday, we met with the State to hear their responses to the proposals we gave them during our last bargaining session on July 21st.
Their response to our proposals was a comprehensive proposal of their own. The State's proposal included: 1) withdrawing their proposals for special salary adjustments for Telecom Technicians; the Electrician series, which includes Electronic Technicians; and the Heavy Equipment Mechanic series; 2) withdrawing their proposal to provide an increase in the boot allowance, which added CHP and CDCR workers; and, 3) withdrawing their proposal to increase the uniform reimbursement for CalFire and Parks & Recreation.
July 28, 2016: Bargaining Update
The Unit 12 Bargaining Team returned to the table on Thursday, July 21st to share with the administration's representatives the reasons for the rejection of the tentative agreement. We re-proposed our last General Salary Increase proposal which was 5% July 1, 2016, 5% July 1, 2017, and 4% July 1, 2018 and told the State that their offer of 3% July 1, 2016, 4% July 1, 2017, and 3% July 1, 2018 was not enough in light of the State's demand that workers pay 4.6% of their hard earned money into the retiree OPEB account. We also revisited several of our classification inequity proposals which were rejected by the State earlier this year. Download the Strike Pledge card now!
We return to the bargaining table on Thursday August 4th. If you want to keep up to date on unit 12 developments, send us your personal (not work) email address to debbie@unit12.org.
July 12, 2016: Back to the bargaining table!
We are going back to the bargaining table with the State of California on July 21. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.
July 7, 2016: Tentative agreement did not pass
The Unit 12 Tentative Agreement did not pass in the recent vote. The members voice was heard as the ballots were tallied. The vote reflected that the members were not pleased with the states proposed contract. The Unit 12 bargaining team will continue to press forward with this administration to secure a fair contract for the men and women we serve.
