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)

For some added context to the reason and thinking of the board to recommend a dues increase here are some of the key reasons discussed over 3 special meetings called exclusively to discuss dues, revenue and the shortfall and the rationale for recommending the increase. 

 Due to inflation pressures OE3 very recently increased the dues CEMA pays to them from $37 to $39 per person per pay period.  Inflation has hit all of the items OE3 pays for CEMA:

·       offices,

·       staff salaries,

·       legal counsel and

·       other infrastructure. 

CEMA’s board is very cognizant of inflation’s impact on our members, it impacts our families too and at no point did that consideration leave our discussions.  But at the end of our discussions we voted overwhelmingly to ask our membership to support a dues increase proposal.

Over the past decade CEMA’s dues increased only twice – a total of $3:

·       CEMA’s dues were $36 starting in February 2016.

·       Then in February of 2026 increased to $39.

The $2 increase in 2027 the CEMA Board is proposing for only covers the $2 OE3 increase.  The next increase in 2028 would cover the next expected $2 OE3 increase.

Regarding the CEMA Operating Budget and our Reserve Fund:

Due to incredibly sound fiscal management, CEMA has a reserve fund, the purpose of which is to sustain us in difficult financial times…..With careful management it can sustain our current operating budget and new budgets we adopt each year for a couple of years.  This will allow CEMA to plan for future long-term financial stewardship of the dues our members pay.

OE3’s dues have increased and without offsetting that increase, CEMA’s overall financial health would be in a very difficult situation and we would need to start cutting discretionary operating costs. Some of those costs our membership enjoys are:

·       Professional Development events.                                      

·       Stars & Strides & BBQ tickets.

·       Scholarships and Membership drives.

·       SWAG & T-shirts.

·       The minimal stipends our Board members receive if they qualify based on the Bylaws requirements.

·       Labor council dues to expand our political clout and coordinate with other unions.

·       And finally, political contributions ensuring that our political elected representatives feel CEMA’s support so they listen to us when we need their support, especially during contract negotiations and PEPRA reform discussions.

 

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.