Did you recently get a raise?

Most Local 800 members at the Jewish Federation, JBBBS, BJE, Jewish Community Foundation, JVS SoCal, JVS GAIN, Jewish Family Service, and Westside JCC received a raise on July 1. Many of you  know why you got that raise, but for new employees (or others who forgot why) – perhaps you were wondering, Howdid that happen?   The answer is: It's because your union negotiating team (5 different teams, 5 different contracts) made sure not to leave the bargaining table until management increased what they first offered. That strength at the bargaining table is only possible with your backing and support, so please stay tuned for when we begin preparing again for negotiations -- for many of you, early next year.

Last month, the 26 Early Childhood Education Teachers and Teacher’s Assistants at Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center unanimously approved their new union contract. The agreement includes a 13% wage increase over three years, improvements in jury duty pay and medical insurance coverage for Local 800 members on disability, and maintenance of their Kaiser health insurance. We also created a new “Labor- Management Committee” that will meet quarterly to discuss and resolve issues on the job. SIJCC staff will begin contributing to their health insurance for the first time – $20 per month in the first year with a cap of $35 over the life of the agreement.

Union Shop Steward and Bargaining Team member Evelia Ontiveros said: “We’re very happy we reached a fair agreement with SIJCC that includes good wage increases and more. The key to our success was the unity and participation of our co-workers who attended negoiations when we called on them and who all signed a letter of support to management.”

Evelia was joined on the Bargaining Team by Judith Jimenez, Yamilee Valenzuela and Emma Perry.  Below, the Bargaining Team signing the agreement.