“Working together with the Contract Action Team, we will make sure all SEIU members are part of the process to bargain a new contract with the County that transforms and values our work.” > Joseph Hall, Community Worker
The new CONTRACT ACTION TEAM–CAT for short–is bringing together SEIU 721 mental health team members to improve jobs and quality care for clients.
More than 25 Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health employees, representing over 19 mental health clinics and facilities, gathered on Saturday, June 20, for the first CAT meeting of the current contract season.
CAT members learned how the bad news of the current $24-billion state budget deficit–that could affect funding for vital mental health services in Los Angeles County–has been balanced by GOOD NEWS
:
- DMH has a proposal to deal with $58-million cuts in budget with no layoffs
- Prop 1E was defeated so funding is intact from the Mental Health Services Act to help grow services to better serve clients, even while significant shortfalls in the general fund may mean leaner core services.
< In less than 10 minutes, CAT members generated scores of ideas to make mental health services more efficient and cost-effective that will be used in contract negotiations.
Through conversations and meetings at worksites, CAT members will engage all SEIU members in the bargaining process and make sure everyone has a voice at the table.
Make sure your voice is heard in the contract process
Take five minutes to fill out the LA County Mental Health Transformation and Contract Survey, which examines transformation and quality services, working conditions, and community connections. Look for it at your work site from your shop steward or CAT member, contact Jane Jose at 213-368-8671, or find it online.