Volume 3 / Issue 3

Of all the unions Riverside County HR has to deal with, SEIU is on the top of the list when it comes to “most hated unions.” Additionally, the general public has a perception of what unions are – money hungry public employees who receive HEFTY pensions. Of course this isn’t true unless they are referring to managers and executive staff. When the general public pictures “union workers” they picture people yelling, wearing purple shirts, holding picket signs. It is not in our members’ best interest to be part of this picture – it is not beneficial in our relationship with County HR and it is not beneficial to our reputation with the public. The public votes on bills and measures that can effect our pay, benefits and pensions. We need to break away from that reputation and begin anew.

Article 24 of the current MOU provides members of the Supervisory Bargaining Unit, a unique opportunity to opt out of SEIU in April of each year. I encourage every supervisor who has not taken advantage of this provision to do so. Many supervisors took advantage of this opportunity last year and many more will do so this year. If you’re one of them, I’ve included a letter for you. This letter should be hand delivered or sent certified mail/return receipt requested. Something this important may intentionally get lost. I would also recommend notifying HR of your decision. A letter for this purpose has also been included in the link above.

After the failed dues increase in June of 2013, a group of employees resolved to establish an association of employees, for employees. The dues we pay each month to SEIU should be used to advance the needs of the members, but what they actually do is advance the needs of SEIU. You may be surprised to know that over 52% of the dues collected in the Inland Empire are channeled directly to SEIU International in Washington DC to be used at their discretion.

REAP has contracted with the City Employees Associates to provide representation for members in the event of a disciplinary hearing. Once SEIU is removed as the exclusive labor organization, CEA can then negotiate for our members. CEA will provide representation to any REAP member who finds them-self facing discipline. This representation comes at a cost, though. Instead of paying $12.00 per pay period to SEIU for less than stellar representation, REAP can provide professional representation for $10.00 per pay period. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Looking Towards the Future!

Volume 3 / Issue 2

Between April 1 and the last working day in April of each year, employees belonging to
the Supervisory Bargaining Unit represented by SEIU, have the opportunity to “Opt-out” of SEIU. This means you are NOT required to pay any Agency Fees or Maintenance of Membership fees regardless of what SEIU staff may tell you. In April of 2014, many employees took advantage of this provision and chose to exercise their right to opt-out of SEIU.

This April brings along with it yet another opportunity for members of the Supervisory bargaining unit to Opt-Out of SEIU. Some may be fearful of leaving SEIU because they are not quite sure how this works or how they will be affected. Here’s what happens when you leave SEIU – Nothing.

Riverside County Human Resources (HR) determines the labor organization that covers employees based on the position the employee holds. For example, Sheriff Deputies are covered by the Riverside Sheriff’s Association (RSA), some employees of the District Attorney’s office are covered by the District Attorney’s Association (DAA), and employees classified as Crafts and Labor are represented by LIUNA, the Laborers International Union North America. When a supervisor of SEIU opts out, they are still covered under the MOU that was negotiated between SEIU and HR and because of this, there is no loss of any pay or step increases or any other benefits negotiated on your behalf.

You may ask yourself, “What about representation if I opt out? Who will defend me if I need help?” As it stands now, if you need representation from SEIU, they will use one of your coworkers for this. Although this person may have the best intentions, California Labor Law is extremely complicated and is probably something your coworker has not been trained in. Are you willing to risk your career in a disciplinary hearing to one of your coworkers? Let me assure you – REAP will be there. REAP has contracted with the City Employees Associates (CEA). Well over 100 associations throughout California rely on CEA for contract negotiations and PROFESSIONAL representation.

In theFebruary edition of the REAP Newsletter, we have officially announced our SEIU DECERTIFICATION CAMPAIGN. This is going to happen, but we will need you and your vote. In the coming months ALL employees represented by SEIU will have the opportunity to give SEIU the boot. Petition signing parties, kiosks, even street corner signings are going to be taking place. To echo the words of the REAP Vice President – REAP NEEDS YOU…and YOU NEED YOU! This couldn’t be more true than now. Your future depends on what you do in the next few months. Why should 52% your union dues go to Washington
DC to fund the SEIU political monster?

Last year, SEIU did their best to make the opt-out process as difficult as possible. Although the language in the MOU only requires a letter from the employee to opt out of SEIU, you may be asked to fill out additional paperwork. Does REAP agree with this? NO! Does County HR agree with this? NO. Does the Public Employees Relations Board (PERB) agree with this? We don’t know yet. A PERB complaint has been filed on REAP’s behalf by CEA.

Article 24 of your current MOU outlines the procedure required by SEIU. It states: “Any employee desiring to revoke their authorization for dues shall forward a letter by United States Mail or in person to SEIU; setting forth his/her desire to remove said authorization and may include reasons thereof. To be considered, a letter shall be received by SEIU on or after April 1st, but no later than the last working day of April. SEIU shall promptly
forward a stop deduction to County payroll in the manner provided by the County.”

Attached is a link to a letter you may use to assist you in your quest to opt-out of SEIU or you may write your own. I have also included a “3-In-1” opt-in to REAP designation form. The dues for representation are only $10 per pay period or $20 every 28 days. If interested in becoming a REAP member, scan and email the form back to [email protected] or fill out the form and mail to 19510 Van Buren Bl. #F3-197 Riverside, CA 92508.

Until the employees in Riverside County remove SEIU as the “exclusive labor organization”, REAP can’t negotiate. Operative word in that last statement is “Until”…and together we will!

Looking Towards the Future