We represent 254 San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control workers. Having a problem at work? Contact your worksite steward first.
Stewards are listed on the top right, under the "STEWARDS" tab.
Contracts listed under the "CONTRACTS" tab.
Meetings & Events
- FUSD Board - Candidate Night
Monday - August 30, 5-8 PM
- Bylaws Election
Thursday, September 16 - 12:00-1:30 p.m.
In one of the following offices:
- Fresno Valley Air District Office, 1990 East Gettysburg Avenue (Tehachapi Room)
- Modesto Valley Air District Office, 4800 Enterprise Way
- Bakersfield Valley Air District Office, 34946 Flyover Court (Buena Vista Room)
Ballots will be counted at each office location at the close of voting at 1:31 p.m.
- Steward Trainings:
Fresno| Merced | Modesto | Visalia
- Additional events listed under the "EVENTS" tab.
Union News / Newsletter
December 2009
Members & Board Approve New Agreement!
Overwhelming 92 % of Voting Members Say Yes to Contract
April 16, 2009 - We won an 11 percent raise over three years, plus significant disciplinary and union rights in our contract approved by the Valley Air Board. The agreement was previously ratified by 92 percent of those voting.
This means our new contract goes into effect with the following:
- 3.5% pay raise retroactive to October 25, 2008
- 3.5% pay raise in October 2009
- 4% pay raise in October 2010
- Additional $20 per pay period bilingual pay
- 9-hour floating holiday
And more!
For more information, please read this flyer:
Contract Ratified 4/16/2009
Contract negotiations took a lot of hard work and long hours from your bargaining team, which included Fred Cruz, Robert Rinaldi, Carlos Garcia & Leland Villalvazo. Be sure to thank the team members when you see them!
"In these tough economic times, this new contract is a step in the right direction toward pay equity with other air districts and will make it easier to negotiate future contracts." Leland Villalvazo, Supervising Air Quality Specialist
Contracts are listed on the left, under the "CONTRACTS" tab.
Contract Ratified
On January 8, 2009, SEIU Local 521 members of San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District voted to accept the Tentative Agreement (TA) reached during contract negotiations. Now all that must be done is for the SJVAPCD Board of Directors to approve the TA on January 15, 2009. The agreement includes:
- 3.5% Wage Increase retroactive to October 27, 2008
- 3.5% Wage Increase effective October 26, 2009
- 4.0% Wage Increase effective October 25, 2010
The contract also includes 24 other agreements including: Union bulletin boards, discipline can now be appealed to the director or a third party hearing officer, and the ability to donate annual leave to expectant mothers for pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions.
Summary of the Ratified Agreement 2008-2010
Contract negotiations took a lot of hard work and long hours from your bargaining team, which included Fred Cruz, Robert Rinaldi, Carlos Garcia & Leland Villalvazo.
A BIG thank you to the Bargaining Team!
Thank you to everyone who voted.
We all had to make some tough decisions to get this contract. We have a lot more work to do, but we’re on the right track. Let's keep it up!
Picture on the right: Homero Ramirez and Stephen Leonard voted in Bakersfield.
Valley Air District Employees Win Agency Shop!
More than two-thirds of the 225 San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District General Unit Employees overwhelmingly voted to make our union stronger through Agency Shop. Finally, we stand united...
» Read more
San Joaquin Valley Air Bargaining Survey Results and Bargaining Team Election
To Our Co-Workers at San Joaquin Valley Air:
Last year, we joined a new union, SEIU Local 521, so we could bring more resources to San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and unite ourselves with other unions in the Central Valley. As a result, there are several changes to how we will bargain our contract this year. These changes should put us in a position to win our best contract ever. They include:
• More resources– A new team of experienced staff ready to provide us with research, ommunications and the bargaining support necessary to give us the best contract.
• A union that has experience with other air districts across the state.
• 52,000 person membership, unifying us with county workers within our locality and strengthening our voice with elected officials.
• Streamlined coordination and communication with all 3 SJVAPCD offices, ensuring that all workers are represented and provided exceptional service.
Bargaining Survey Results: Fighting for the Best Contract
In June, we sent out bargaining surveys to SJVAPCD employees to gauge which issues were most important to you for negotiations this year. The top 3 issues will be used to set the tone for our worker elected Bargaining Team when they meet with management during negotiations.
• Wages – An overwhelming number of workers feel that having competitive salaries is one of the most important issues at SJVAPCD.
• Health Care - With costs increasing annually, SJVAPCD employees cited affordable health care as a top priority.
• Pension and Retirement - A secure retirement plan is important to our future. The Bargaining Team will fight for the best options to protect our financial wellbeing for retirement.
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Bargaining Team
Open the flyer below to meet your bargaining team!
Bargaining Survey Results and Bargaining Team Election
Healthy Air Living Update
Valley Air employees have been proposing Healthy Air Living concepts for years. Management finally has taken the first step and will implement a pilot program on healthy air living practices such as telecommuting and flex-hours. San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is leading the way to promote a healthier quality of life in the Central Valley and at the workplace. For more information on the Healthy Air Living program, visit www.healthyairliving.com.
Employees Have a Voice
Valley Air employees have a legal right through their union in developing workplace initiatives with management whenever there is a proposed unilateral change in working conditions, wages, work hours or voluntary programs. The right to
Meet and Confer allows employees to participate to ensure the success in developing healthy air living standards. Submit suggestions to your
Contract Action Team (CAT) or Shop Steward. Meet and Confer items and recommendations are submitted to Management after approval from the employees.
Contact SEIU Local 521 Jorge Rivera, Union Organizer
Phone: (559) 447-2560
Jorge.Rivera@seiu521.org
5228 E. Pine Ave., Fresno, CA 93727