Teacher’s union files charges against school district
CALIFORNIA – The Service Employees International Union Local 585 has filed unfair labor practice charges against the California Area School District, but so far, the district hasn’t received notice of the charges. Union representative Dino Bruno said he filed the charges Friday, alleging that the district has not been bargaining in good faith and has unilaterally implemented policies that should be negotiated items. District superintendent Dr. Marion Stephens said she’s not certain why Bruno filed the charges.
“He is to arrange the next meeting, so we’re waiting for him. If he’s choosing to do something else, he needs to notify us, I would think,” Stephens said.
Local 585 represents custodial/maintenance employees, cleaning and cafeteria workers in the district.
According to Bruno’s complaint, the union has been attempting to reach a contract with the district since Dec. 18, 2000, when the union sent a letter requesting bargaining. The contract expired June 30, 2001. The district responded, saying it would begin negotiations in February 2001. The district then sent the union a letter saying it wanted to complete negotiations with the teachers’ union before starting negotiations with the SEUI. According to the complaint, negotiations finally got under way July 16, 2001.
“It’s been 10 months and the district has bargained in good faith and has attempted to reach an agreement,” Stephens said. “Just because we don’t come up with the same numbers he wants, doesn’t mean we aren’t bargaining in faith.”
Bruno said the district has shown little movement in its offer since negotiations started, starting with a 2.5 percent pay increase and moving now to a 2.6 percent increase.
“The union is looking at a four percent increase, since that’s been the average increase,” Bruno said.
According to Bruno, the SEIU members at California last ratified a five-year agreement with a raise of 2.5 percent in each year of the contract.
“They’ve fallen behind other school districts of similar size,” Bruno said.
Bruno also contends the district has unilaterally instituted a testing program for prospective employees. According to Bruno, an arbitrator ruled that while the district can conduct the testing, it must negotiate the terms of the testing with the union. Stephens said she interprets the arbitrator’s ruling differently, giving the district complete control over the testing procedure.