2021-2022 San Diego County Bargaining Team Candidate questions and answers

What is the County Bargaining Team?
The Bargaining Team is a committee of Local 221 members who are elected to lead Local 221's bargaining campaign. The Bargaining Team works with Local 221 members to identify issues and develop contract proposals. The Bargaining teams meet with Management to negotiate over contract proposals. Bargaining generally takes place on County time, but bargaining team members must be prepared to meet frequently on their own time to develop proposals, strengthen membership and plan actions.

How does the County Bargaining Team work?
There are 26 available seats up for election for the SEIU 221 San Diego Bargaining team: The Bargaining Team will consist of elected positions by bargaining unit. There will be a minimum of two (2) bargaining team members for every unit regardless of size, three (3) bargaining team members for units with 1000-2000 members and four (4) bargaining team members for units with over 2000 members.

To be nominated for a seat on the bargaining team, you must be a member of SEIU 221. Nominees must submit a petition of support signed by at least 25 members and fill out the Bargaining Team Candidate Commitment Form.

If you would like to nominate someone or yourself, please read the criteria and fill out the form below. The signature period began on Sept. 27. The deadline to submit signatures and the Bargaining Team Commitment Form is 5 p.m. Oct. 6.

What are the requirements to be on the Bargaining Team?

Anyone interested in being a part of the negotiations team must:

• Be a union member
• Have passion for and commitment to fighting for social, economic and racial justice for our members and the communities we serve
• Be willing to commit to training on union, bargaining, and building power to win
• Be a good communicator: communicate out to members and listen to member's needs
• Respect ground rules and confidentiality
• A track record of involvement in the union is important, but a willingness to learn is also valuable. Alternatively, advocacy experience in another forum is also a plus.
• Be available and willing to join both daytime and evening meetings, both with the county and to prep/report back to leaders and members. Meetings will be virtual and/or in person, depending on state COVID guidelines and team consensus.
• Share short biography/statement about why you would like to be a part of the negotiations team.
• All team members must share their plan to sign up five to 25 new members by the end of the year to strengthen our union for bargaining.
• Share plan to bring in new members.
• All are encouraged to submit a photo

How do I submit a nomination form?

Candidate Forms – online options

• Fill out the Online Nomination/Candidate Commitment Form (This must be filled out to be eligible to collect online signatures)
• Fill out the Online Bargaining Team Candidate Petition Form (Due Oct. 6)

Candidate Forms – PDF forms you can print or pick up at the local

• Bargaining Team Nomination/Candidate Commitment Form PDF
• Bargaining Team Candidate Commitment and Petition Form PDF
• Petition Form Only PDF (For those who have filled out the Candidate Commitment Form online)

How can I see a list of who has been nominated?

SEIU Local 221 updates this list within two business days. If you believe a nominee is not on the list who should be, send an email to CountyContract@seiu221.org

Follow this link to see the most updated list of nominations

What are the important dates?

• Sept. 16: Nomination Period Begins
• Sept. 27: Signature gathering period begins. (Nominations still open)
• 5 p.m. Oct. 6: Last day to submit signatures, photo and application
• Oct. 12-26: Voting Period (in-person and online voting options will be available)
• Oct. 29: Voting results will be announced by the local

I still have questions, what do I do?
Contact your organizer-representative, email CountyContract@seiu221.org or call (858) 560-0151.