Sacramento Valley Union Labor Bulletin

Owned and Published by the Sacramento Central Labor Council and the Sacramento-Sierra’s Building & Construction Trades Council, official councils of the AFL-CIO

Members of CSEA 480, which represents classified workers in Sacramento County Schools, has been fighting for a fair contract with the county. - Courtesy of CSEA
LABOR BULLETINSLIDER

School employees continue fight for fair contract

Labor Bulletin

By Sheri Williams

More than 40 classified employees, their families, labor allies and political leaders showed up to the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Board Meeting in August in support of a fair contract for CSEA Chapter 480.

“Administrators have, as you’ve heard, rejected every single offer that we put on the table,” said CSEA Chapter 480 president Wendi Beatty, speaking to the Board. “They have also offered us the same 2% salary increase that we rejected two years ago and that at that time we stated was not enough. Now we’ve been through the numbers. SCOE has the budget reserves to do better by us.”

CSEA is the largest classified school employees union in the United States, representing more than 250,000 workers. Members serve in roles including maintenance staff, food service workers, transportation, office workers and other essential roles. CSEA 480 has been in a protracted contract fight with the Sacramento County Office of Education.

“Have you guys ever stopped and thought about the imbalance at the negotiation table?” asked Rebecca Mayo, a member of the CSEA 480 negotiating team. “The SCOE team consists of nine members, including two lawyers, and our CSEA team is just six. The more exhausted we get, the harder we will fight.”

CSEA 480 communications director Sean Frame also addressed the board.

“Two years ago, we made the case that 2% is not enough of a raise for our members, to keep our heads above water,” Frame said. “Inflation is higher and going up. Health insurance costs are going up, and this small raise will actually result in some of our members’ paychecks being smaller after the raise.”

Other members of the Labor community also spoke in support of a fair contract for CSEA 480.

“The time has come for you to be brave and bold in the face of growing threats to public Education,” said Fatima Garcia, president of the Sacramento Labor Council for Latin American advancement. “We ask for your support.”

CSEA 480 plans on holding more informational pickets as the school year starts.