Dear HTEC Members,
On Friday, May 22, the Classified Bargaining Team and the CMO met for a full day of bargaining. Our team passed back all remaining articles, with the exception of Article 2: Wages and the Appendices (all of the Salary Frameworks). We are continuing to pay attention to the news coming from the Governor’s office, as the May Revise Budget projected a total COLA of 4.31 percent– this will be passed down directly to HTH for budgeting for next year. HTH’s proposals continue to include .25% of COLA as an annual raise, so we are hoping for more movement in this regard next time we meet, on June 5th, when both sides of the table have more information.
Here are some key takeaways from today:
Article 3: Health and Wellness Benefits
We proposed that eligible HTHC get benefits to those employees who work for 30 hours; HTH has not yet agreed to this, but has indicated that they are willing to sign an MOU to memorialize their proposed rates for Healthcare next year, as we are currently in Open Enrollment. As a reminder, we have already agreed upon $0 per paycheck for employees only, and other significant improvements to benefits coverage!!
Article 4: Hours of Employment
We had discussions about HTH’s abilities to change your schedule and their management rights with regard to overtime; we came to an agreement on some priorities here around issues of emergency circumstances, and are looking forward to their next proposal.
Article 10: Employment Status
We had discussions around shortening the Introductory period and whether it may make more sense to align with the school year rather than 12-months, and whether it should be different for student-facing roles versus non-student-facing roles.
Article 12: Leaves
We are continuing to ask for increased sick leave, and now have proposed that classified members accrue sick leave at the rate of 1 hour for every 19 hours worked, as well as 4 personal days instead of 3. This is consistent with the certificated CBA.
In the afternoon, we split into small groups to discuss priorities for the workloads of EML Coordinators, Occupational Therapists, and Information Technology Managers. These were clarifying conversations that helped the CMO members understand the intricacies of our jobs and identify key priorities for each of the work groups. We hope to see these priorities for sustainable workloads reflected in the CMO’s next pass. We have also invited the CMO to participate in more small groups for these purposes in the future.
Your support continues to be incredibly essential as we move forward with our bargaining sessions. Please continue showing your solidarity by wearing your blue union shirts, buttons, and hoodies. Your collective strength and visible support send a powerful message as we work together to improve working conditions for our classified staff.
HTH Works Because We Do: Support Staff, Strengthen HTH!
In solidarity,
HTEC Bargaining Team
- Faith Hicks – Co-Chair, Occupational Therapist, Mesa Village
- Michael DeHut – Co-Chair, Mesa Aftercare
- Jocelyn Flores – HTEC Vice President
- Analia Garcia – Assistant Site Manager, North County Village
- Ana Montes – School Lunch Assistant, HTeX
- Francisco Diaz – Lead Cook, HTEats
- Robert Morales – Special Education Academic Coach, HTeNC
- Reyna Moreno – Day Porter, Chula Vista
- Ryan Hayes – IT Systems Manager, North County and Mesa Village
- Socorro Castañeda – Custodian, HTHMA
- Jen Lewis – HTEC President
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