First Court Industry Council Starts Ball Rolling
Our first Court Industry Council (CIC) was a big success, and this newsletter is the direct result of several of the subcommittees that were formed. One of the most important things we learned at our first CIC meeting is that we must create lines of communication between court workers throughout our region and the state if we are to be successful in bargaining fair contracts and hold the Administrator of the Court (AOC) accountable.
(Left to Right) Vickie Jaurigui, Bob Elliot, Linda Krolnik, Philip Bret, Susan Just,
Kelly Chambers, Rochelle Hill, Tosca Camille, Ronnie Needham, Juliet Goto,
Alice Lopez, Carey Pearce, Joaquin Alcantar, Kim Palmer, Ferial Yeganagi.
Click on the photo for more photos!
"All the court workers are treated disrespectfully up and down the state," said Luisa Blue, chief of staff for SEIU Local 521. "It's time for the workers to talk to each other."
Members from seven counties briefly described their most current negotiations and how their county pitted workers against each other and claimed to have no money.
Common Themes: * Divide & Conquer
* Intimidation
* Retaliation
We must work together throughout our region and involve the rest of the state in order to overcome these management tactics and stand united.
State Lobbyist Highlights Court Budget Reserves
Our SEIU State Lobbyist Michelle Castro pulled no punches in outlining how the Administrator of the Court and Judicial Council operate. Michelle's "insider" information brought on a slew of ideas from participants.
So, if they say they don't have money due to the state budget – we know that is not true because of the large reserves the Courts and the AOC maintain and because we know they fared better than anyone else in this state budget.
What's Next? 
Three subcommittees came up with plans to increase power among court workers.
If you would like to get involved in the Court Industry Council, please contact your SEIU Local 521 court worksite organizer.
For more information, please read the newsletter:
The Court Reporter - Volume 1, Issue 1 
Photo slideshow of this event We represent court workers in the following counties:
Kern
Kings Fresno Mariposa Monterey San Benito San Mateo Santa Clara Santa Cruz Tulare