Rays of success poke through cloudy contract-negotiation climate
-- CALEE President’s Message

Date: 2/26/2008

As all of you know, the economy is in very bad shape. Many are losing their homes and struggling to support their families. In private industry, businesses are shutting down and reneging on their retirement obligations. Closer to home, the state is slicing its budget in order to balance its books.

Although we are fortunate in having jobs that are protected by statute and contract, that hasn’t stopped a growing force from putting our benefits and retirement in their crosshairs.

Regardless of the current economic climate, CSLEA is committed to making sure we get a positive contract by putting us in the best negotiating position possible. CSLEA President Alan Barcelona has made it his top priority to have the entire CSLEA Board fully informed of its members’ needs and to have all board member’s ready when their time comes at the negotiating table. Unlike in past contract-negotiation times, the CSLEA president is warning of difficult times ahead, but he remains positive and committed to bettering and improving our pay and benefits.

I have spoken with a lot of you and have forwarded your contract ideas that some of you have given to me. I ask that all of you continue to send me your thoughts. Although CALEE members are in many different jobs classifications, we can still speak with a unified voice and make positive changes.

We’ve already had some successes with groups large and small. State lifeguards have been able to obtain -- for the first time -- health care for 10 positions. These 10 positions have also been made permanent. In addition, Quantity Control Specialist succeeded in getting re-classified into the Special Investigator series. These are but a few of CALEE’s accomplishments. These victories have not been easy, but working together we have accomplished them.

I will be sending a letter to all your department heads that oversee your classifications asking for their help in bettering your jobs.

I'm committed to working with all classifications and moving forward on a better contract – but I need your participation. Please stay positive in these trying times and keep your ideas, thoughts, and proposals coming. Please visit our CALEE web page for future updates. Thanks in advance for all your support.


Fraternally,

Ricardo Sanchez
CALEE President
CSLEA Controller