As a part of the Elections occurring August 31 - September 7 your CEMA Executive Board, Union Leadership and Staff recommend the approval of the two below changes to our Dues Structure and our Bylaws. As Dues is the most pressing topic and likely to involve the most discussion that will come first.

 

Delayed Dues Increase

CEMA's is one of the few unions that offers a flat rate to all our members, this is notable in that we are incredibly affordable compared to SEIU's 1.5% of gross salary (our dues are on average of 50% less than this). This affordability and flat rate means that Union income does not grow as yours does with general wage increases. CEMA's costs have been increasing as inflation, per capita dues, rent, taxes etc. all increase as you have doubtless experienced in your personal finances. This means every few years CEMA must come back to the membership to ask for a dues increase to continue operations. This coming year is no exception and CEMA is currently running at a deficit but due to strong fiscal management and investment we are able to operate at a loss for the rest of the year. This does mean, however, that we are recommending a dues increase next calendar year and the year after of $2 each year. CEMA urges you to approve the dues increases as highlighted below in bold when you cast your ballot on August 31 - September 7. Thank you for your continued support in delivering excellent contract and advocacy.

CEMA is currently running at a structural deficit. You are being asked to vote on an increase in dues as described below:

Article IV: Dues 

Section 1: Establisment

$2 increase beginning the 2nd bi-monthly pay period in January 2027 (adjusted for alternate pay schedules)

$2 increase beginning the 2nd bi-monthly pay period in January for 2028 (adjusted for alternate pay schedules)

 

Bylaws Changes

To strengthen continuity of leadership within the CEMA Executive Board, it is recommended that board elections be divided into two alternating cycles. This structure reduces full‑board turnover, preserves institutional knowledge, and supports consistent strategic direction across terms. 

Each term will remain at 3 years and there will be elections every 18 months.  Due to the election cycle, the terms of the offices in Cohort 2 are extended by 18 months.

 

Cohort 1 Elections 2029 -Fall

  • President
  • Vice President
  • One Member‑at‑Large – Santa Clara County Seat 1 (2 lowest vote getters in the 2026 election)
  • One Member‑at‑Large – Santa Clara County Superior Court
  • One Member‑at‑Large – Santa Clara County Seat 2

 

Cohort 2 Elections 2031-Spring –

·      Senior Vice President

  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • One Member‑at‑Large – Monterey County
  • One Member‑at‑Large – Santa Clara County Seat 3 (highest SCC vote-getter in the 2026 election)
  • Potentially One Member-at-Large – SCCOE (if membership qualifies)

 

Adjust Member-At-Large Section as follows:

Underlined text = proposed additions. Strikethrough text = proposed deletions.

Section 7: Duties of Officers and Members-at-Large

(f)  Member-at-Large

The Member-at-Large:

                        i.         Serves as Co-Chair or Chair of a committee as appointed by the Board and noted in the Board minutes.

                       ii.         Maintains a stipend when completing the following duties:

1.     Be a delegate of all associated labor councils as appointed.

2.     Participates in outside meetings and activities that move the CEMA goals forward, functioning as a representative.

3.     Attends at least one meeting annually in a different Chapter CEMA Committees.

4.     Attends the OE3 semi-annual and at least two (2) OE3 District 90 Meetings annually.

                      iii.         For Member-At-Large for Monterey County, Superior Court, and any future chairs of advisory committees like Santa Cruz or SCCOE, the Chairs will use the working title of Chapter President.

Article 8

Section 2: Membership

Council membership is open to all interested CEMA members in good standing of that respective unit.

Chapter Advisory Councils shall be comprised of five (5) members, excepting that fewer than 5 apply for the position, including the respective Member-at-Large who will act as the Chair/Chapter President.