Factfinding Dates Are Scheduled. Here’s What’s Next

We have officially moved to factfinding in our contract bargaining process. Factfinding dates are set for November 2, 5, 6, 12, and 13. While we made ourselves available for earlier dates, these were the earliest dates management agreed to, and the schedule helps us proceed with the next steps in our contract campaign plan. 

For the factfinding panel, Kevin Wehr, CFA Bargaining Chair and Sacramento State professor, will serve as our factfinding representative. Joseph Jelincic, Associate Vice Chancellor for Labor Relations will represent management. A neutral chairperson will chair the panel.

Once the panel finishes receiving evidence and testimony, it will write its findings and non-binding recommendations in a report issued privately to both parties. Ten days later, both parties can try to settle the agreement. The factfinding step is likely to take until December to conclude, as we have many unresolved articles and issues on the table.  

After the 10-day blackout period, the report becomes final and public. After the report becomes public, we will be legally allowed to go on strike. Management may also impose terms and conditions at this stage. 

Presently, the bargaining team, CFA chapters, councils, and committees are all weighing in about the best strategies and may ultimately recommend that the Board of Directors call for a strike authorization vote. A strike authorization vote would give members the ability to weigh in on whether to authorize the Board of Directors to call for a strike. 

Please look for communications regarding a strike authorization vote in the coming weeks. We will soon share more information on the voting period and process. 

In the meantime, stay engaged in our fight to Fund the Classroom, Not the Boardroom. Talk to your colleagues and students about what’s at stake for all of us, and get ready for October actions on your campus! Reach out to your  field representative or chapter president for more ways to get involved. Now is the time to gear up for the fight ahead.