Ahead of the start of Bargaining Unit 16’s (BU16) negotiations with the State of California, the State has implemented a change in policy regarding release time for the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) bargaining committee. The State has limited the number of doctor representatives at the bargaining table, granting release to only six, a reduction from the nine and one alternative permitted during the previous bargaining cycle two years ago.
This limitation significantly impacts the UAPD’s ability to fully represent the interests of our members. With increasing workloads and complex issues to address, adequate representation is key for effective negotiations. Furthermore, the State proposed that additional bargaining committee members could participate at our members’ expense. This proposal is unacceptable, placing an undue financial burden on our members and compromising our ability to effectively advocate for their needs.
We believe this unprecedented move by the State to restrict our bargaining committee and propose a “pay-to-play” scheme is detrimental to bargaining and undermines our ability to ensure all doctor concerns are heard and addressed at the bargaining table.
Call to Action:
We urge all UAPD members to demand that the State restore the previous level of representation by providing paid release time for at least seven committee members and one alternate. This is the minimum needed for effective and productive discussions at the table.
Please contact the California Department of Human Resources immediately to express your concerns and demand fair representation. An email template is below for your convenience.
Email Template
To: Candace.Murch@calhr.ca.gov, Eraina.Ortega@calhr.ca.gov
Subject: BU16 Bargaining Committee Members
Dear Candace and Eraina,
As a BU16 member, I’m disappointed to hear that our voices are being decimated at the bargaining table by reducing the number of our bargaining representatives. Two years ago, we had 9 representatives and one alternate. This round of bargaining, we demand similar representation at the table. At a time when our work duties continue to increase and the contracting out of our bargaining unit work is out of control, we demand fair and good faith representation at the table without having to pay for it.
Respectfully,
[Your name]