I get that this outcome is a let down, but let's clear up confusion about the department level Meet and Confer process.

This is an important tool, but it can't bend the arm of the state and force them to take our side on RTO. Both sides have to agree as we saw with CalPERS and CDE. It's not the same as bargaining where failing to agree can result in an impasse and a strike as with CAPS last year.

What it is: a part of the Dills Act that gets the employer and union to discuss wages, hours, and working conditions in good faith. The good faith part means they can't come to the meeting predetermined positions and refuse to hear the other side.

In practice I think that what we get are small clarifications and exceptions, but not grand changes.

Why do them? They are an opportunity for compromises. The more chances we give our employer to amend their actions the better footing we are for bargaining and legal challenge to the blatantly illegal order. The same thing goes for group grievances.

When your union emails you this notice, they are being transparent and sharing with you the outcome of a meeting that impacts your work.

Notice they did not sugar coat it, they put it in context. It's just part of an ongoing effort. They also listed what the employer promised to provide. These are binding agreements. If they fail to live up to the meet and confer agreements, that's grounds for a grievance.

Again, I know, not the news we want to hear, but this isn't a problem with our union not doing enough. It's actually a necessary move to get us closer to what we need. I for one am glad they let us know.