The APC bargaining team is currently engaged in active negotiations with the California State University (CSU) system, representing employees who work closely with students across all 23 campuses. The team comprises the Executive Board, Labor Relations staff, and both voting and non-voting stewards.
These stewards, elected by members of the union to the bargaining team, bring a variety of perspectives and experiences to the table, ensuring that the voices of APC members are heard and their interests represented. The stewards are re-elected every two years or as needed, ensuring fresh perspectives and continuity in representation.
The bargaining team, made up of members and labor relations staff, meets with the CSU to develop the collective bargaining agreement. They gather ideas and comments from members and stewards, and it’s their responsibility to draft the proposals they bring forward.
In this article, we provide a closer look at the inner workings of the bargaining team by sharing insights from three of its members: Juno Paláu from the San Diego campus; Ashley Riley from the Fullerton Campus; and Christine McCarthy, Treasurer on the Executive Board and Chair of the Bargaining Team.
Juno Paláu’s Perspective on the Bargaining Process
Juno Paláu, a Lead Academic Advisor at San Diego State University (SDSU) and a chief steward with APC, offers a candid look into her experiences as part of the APC bargaining team. With three years of service at CSU and equal time as a member of APC, Juno has been on the bargaining team for the past year and stepped into her role with some preconceived notions about the bargaining process.
Preconceived Notions vs. Reality
“When I started attending council meetings, people always talked about the bargaining team, and I had a rough idea of who was involved. However, I didn’t know much about the actual process. I had heard remarks about it being an illogical process but didn’t fully grasp what that meant,” Juno recalls.
Biggest Surprise
“The biggest surprise was the level of cognitive dissonance I experienced. Hearing CSU’s representatives genuinely argue that we deserved to pay more for our benefits, didn’t deserve telecommuting options, and shouldn’t receive raises was shocking. It was mind-boggling to hear them justify these positions while knowing that their top management earned exorbitant salaries.”
The Reality of Bargaining Meetings
“Sitting in the bargaining meetings, it became evident how unprepared the CSU representatives were compared to our team. Our proposals were well-thought-out and polished, while theirs were often rudimentary and illogical. For instance, they wanted to bargain over a simple name change of a civic office, which seemed like an unnecessary and time-wasting tactic.”
The Importance of Membership Support
“The bargaining team’s efforts are only as effective as the support from our membership. We can propose ambitious improvements, but without strong membership backing, it’s challenging to make substantial progress. The CSU pays attention to our membership rate, and a united front is crucial for negotiating better terms.”
Juno emphasizes the need for solidarity among APC members, noting that the bargaining team’s preparedness and commitment are vital, but the real power lies in the collective strength of the union’s membership. Her insights underscore the importance of participation and support from all members to achieve the best outcomes in bargaining efforts.
Ashley Riley’s Perspective on the Bargaining Process
Ashley Riley, a nursing advisor in the School of Nursing at Fullerton Campus, has been with CSU and APC for five years. She has served as a steward for about two and a half years and recently participated in her first bargaining session as an alternate voter on the bargaining team.
Preconceived Notions vs. Reality
“I thought bargaining would involve straightforward discussions and quick agreements,” Ashley explains. “However, the reality was quite different.”
Biggest Surprise
“The biggest surprise was how we could spend hours without accomplishing anything substantial. Each side wasn’t typically open to alternative language or processes, making it feel like a stalemate,” she shares.
The Reality of Bargaining Meetings
“I was shocked by how often meetings didn’t start on time. Important pre-scheduled meetings were delayed by 30 to 45 minutes, which felt like a power play,” Ashley recounts.
Motivation for Joining the Bargaining Team
“I joined the bargaining team to learn more about our benefits and the union’s workings. Becoming an alternate was a chance to gain insight into the bargaining process and be prepared to step in if needed,” Ashley states.
Importance of Membership Support
Ashley emphasizes the complexity and duration of the bargaining process. “It’s important for members to know that the bargaining process isn’t overnight. There’s a lot of back-and-forth, and outcomes aren’t immediate. The APC bargaining team is working hard for them, and although results take time, we are committed to fighting for our members’ needs,” she emphasizes.
Ashley’s insights highlight the challenges and realities of the bargaining process and the dedication of the APC bargaining team to achieving the best possible outcomes for their members.
Christine McCarthy’s Perspective on the Bargaining Process
Christine McCarthy, Treasurer on the Executive Board and Chair of the Bargaining Team, has been with APC since the 1980s and has served on the bargaining team for approximately 25 years.
Role of the Bargaining Team
“The bargaining team, made up of members and labor relations staff, meets with the CSU to develop the collective bargaining agreement. We gather ideas and comments from members and stewards, and it’s our responsibility to draft the proposals we bring forward,” Christine explains.
Preconceived Notions vs. Reality
“I thought it would be a collaborative affair, similar to a faculty senate meeting, with an exchange of ideas and compromises. It turned out to be quite the opposite,” Christine recalls.
Biggest Surprise
“The biggest surprise was the lack of collaboration and the resistance from the CSU, especially in the early years. The relationship was not cordial, and the CSU was often unyielding, focusing on taking away certain contract provisions,” she shares.
Changes Over the Years
“Over the years, the CSU teams have become more collaborative, especially with chancellors who value union peace. Earlier, some CSU representatives even lied to the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees, but we’ve seen a shift towards more honest and cooperative interactions,” Christine notes.
Memorable Bargaining Session
“Our longest and most challenging bargaining session was in 1998-2001, lasting 18 months. We fought hard for officer and steward leave, which was crucial for effectively serving our members. Despite opposition from Chancellor Reed, our members stood behind us, and we ultimately succeeded,” Christine recounts.
Importance of Membership Support
Christine emphasizes the dual objectives of the bargaining team: increasing employee benefits and safeguarding employee rights. “It’s not just about salary; it’s about the overall work environment and conditions. Member support and solidarity are crucial for achieving our goals,” she states.
Observations on the Current Bargaining Environment
Christine appreciates the current collaborative environment and the increased involvement of stewards in the bargaining team. “We now have more voting stewards than ever, which brings diverse campus perspectives to the table. This is essential for understanding the unique challenges and needs of our members across different campuses,” she adds.
Christine’s extensive experience and insights highlight the evolution of the bargaining process and the continuous effort to improve working conditions for APC members.
You can get the latest updates on the bargaining process via email or on the APC website, here.