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!