Job Title: Staff Software Developer

Division: Climate and Ecosystem Sciences

My name is Gregory Lemieux and I’m a Staff Software Developer in the Climate and Ecosystem Sciences division. I came to LBNL 7 years ago to return to directly supporting scientific research after many years in the commercial world. When my friends ask about my work, I quite literally tell them that I’ve found my dream job: I feel that my work has real impact, the people I work with are incredibly supportive and collaborative, and I feel connected to the advancement of science. That said, there are things about life within the University of California (UC) that threaten to degrade this experience, impacting our collective performance in the pursuit of our mission. 

I believe the UC needs to be forced to reconcile with the fact that in order to recruit and retain highly skilled workers necessary to meet its mission, it must provide jobs that are sustainable, with competitive benefits and clear pathways for career growth. Many groups working within the system, both formal and informal, have done incredibly important work identifying issues in our workplace and recommending changes, but very often they end up shelved by management. I saw this first hand after being invited to participate in an HR facilitated focus group on improving the Computer Systems Engineer career track. A diverse array of colleagues provided clear and compelling suggestions to improve retention and the performance management process. Based on the conversations that I’ve had with many of you during my time organizing, we haven’t seen any of those recommendations implemented. 

This is why I and a handful of other colleagues started exploring the need for a union of our own over two years ago. Forming a union gives us the framework to collectively decide on the changes that we all want to see and the worker-based power to negotiate directly with management for our own enforceable contract. Prompted by my griping about UC’s abysmal vacation policy, a unionized post-doctoral coworker of mine encouraged me to connect with others they knew were voicing similar concerns. Since that time, I have gotten to know so many more of you and learned so much about the history of our lab, what it takes to run it, and all the ways in which it can be better. My appreciation for the work that we all do here has skyrocketed, along with my understanding of what goes into building a union that represents us all while helping to form and serve on our Organizing Committee. 

This organizing experience is why I believe so strongly in building community through unionization here at LBNL. Through forging new connections among ourselves, we foster relationships that help build a durable trust, which is incredibly important as we move into collectively deliberating our demands. For this reason, I am excited to see our union move into its next phase and committed to an open, transparent bargaining process. As such, I would be honored to serve on the STEP-UAW bargaining team. Thank you for your consideration. 

Job Title: Data Scientist

Division: Biosciences

Hello,

My name is Sumaira Zaman (she/her) and I am a data scientist in the Biosciences division at the Joint Genome Institute. I am a recently converted career employee and I’ve been at the lab just under 3 years. I’m running to serve on the STEP-UAW bargaining team because I want to ensure that our collective voices are heard at the table and taken seriously. 

I have been organizing with this effort for a little over a year. Many of you have seen me walking around your building, talking to you and your colleagues or you may have even received a phone call from me! These are some of things I’ve heard from our colleagues:

“My entire merit increase was consumed by the increase in health care premiums.”

“I commute 4 hours to get to work because of the recent remote work policy change in our group.”

“I am facing discrimination from my supervisor and I am afraid to file a report.”

“We are required to work over night and weekends and have very poor schedules. If one person gets sick, others are required to put in back to back night shifts.”

However, the single common thread amongst these conversations was how much the mission of the lab is something that deeply resonates with all of us. Every single one of us who has been part of this unionization effort does not “hate” or even remotely dislike working at the lab. On the contrary, we believe in this place, and when you believe in something, you fight to protect and improve it. I spoke with many of you during this campaign, and I view it as my personal responsibility to see this through the end and win a contract that is fair, strong, and representative of our collective needs. As always, you can contact me at: szaman@lbl.gov.

Job Title: Senior Electrical Maintenance Engineer

Division: Facilities

Hello everyone, my name is Michael Lee and I’d like to formally announce my candidacy for the STEP-UAW bargaining team. As a career supporter of unions, I am committed to ensuring that our collective voice is heard and that our future has the best chance for security through a strong, equitable collective bargaining agreement.

My dedication to labor rights is rooted in my background as a proud member of IBEW 595. Throughout my career, I have extensive, first-hand experience in the complexities of contract negotiations. Now as a mid career employee, I have an understanding of what’s important to early career employees and also the interests of those that have spent years working here.  In my prior role of Facilities HV Electrician, I sat at the table for two contract negotiations as a representative for skilled crafts. Subsequently, as non-represented staff, I served on the other side of the table for a third contract and acted as a back-up for a fourth negotiation. This unique perspective—having advocated from both sides of the table—gives me a comprehensive understanding of the bargaining process and the strategies necessary to achieve meaningful gains.

My track record demonstrates a consistent ability to deliver results that exceeded previous terms. Notably, one of the negotiations I participated in resulted in achieving historical COLA percentage increases for the first time. In another, we negotiated a package that surpassed anything previously awarded at the Lab. These outcomes from both sides of the table were the result of persistent advocacy and a deep understanding of the Lab’s operational needs and the value of its workforce.

In my current role and as a Division Safety Representative on the LBNL Safety Advisory Committee, I work closely with colleagues across the Lab, particularly in facilities and capital projects. I understand the specific challenges we face and the importance of having representation that reflects our diverse roles. I am running for the bargaining team because I believe my experience in bargaining provides value towards a successful negotiation.

Ultimately, my goal is to help the Lab become a more stable and competitive employer. By securing a strong contract, we can retain our talented staff and build a sustainable foundation that is protected from the fluctuations of policy and governance. I am eager to work alongside you to secure the fair workplace conditions we all deserve. I appreciate your support and your vote to represent our collective interests on the bargaining team.

Job Title: Computer Systems Engineer 3

Division: ESnet (Scientific Networking)

My name is Fern Seidel (she/they) and I’m a Computer Systems Engineer 3 at LBNL. I work as a Network Engineer and Software Developer for the cybersecurity team at the Energy Sciences Network (ESnet, LBNL’s Scientific Networking Division). I’m asking for your vote to represent you on the bargaining team for our union, STEP-UAW.

I am running for the bargaining team because I have always found LBNL to be a fantastic place to work. I want to both keep it that way and make it even better. The concept of team science, serving all of humanity, built on respect for one another, resonates with me and helps me stay motivated to work here. The inclusivity and kindness I find every day between my colleagues is a real part of why I want to protect this place.

Despite my love for our workplace, in the nearly six years I’ve been working here, I have not always seen the lab’s stewardship value of respect reflected back at us as workers. Year after year we are forced to effectively take pay-cuts due to raises that fail to meet the increased cost of living. We are forced to take unpaid leave, or spend our limited PTO, on mandatory winter holiday shutdowns. I have seen fellow workers frustrated by inconsistent career advancement opportunities. I have been on hiring committees where we fail to hire talented workers because of our insistence on putting new hires into temporary “contract/term” positions. I have seen the cost of health benefits sky-rocket while still failing to provide the care we need.

This is not fair, and it does not reflect the respect we deserve for the work we put in every day. Now is the time for UC and LBNL to treat us with respect, and for us to have a real voice in how we work.

My role here has uniquely prepared me for this position. Every day I dive into difficult problems, work to understand complex systems, find logical gaps in specifications, and push on large bureaucracies that are hard to move. That work transfers directly to building and enforcing our contract.

Beyond technical skills, over the past nine months, I’ve had hundreds of conversations with as many fellow STEPs as I could reach in service of forming this union. Conversations like these are crucial to understanding what is important to all of us, and these relationships and communication skills are just as important during the bargaining process. As a member of the bargaining team, I will continue this work. Winning in bargaining depends on the flow of information in both directions. I commit to bringing your concerns to the table and bringing back what happens there, so that we can decide together how to take collective action. On this team, I will always make myself available to talk. Please email me any time at fern@lbl.gov.

I’m asking for your vote. Let’s keep building this union together. ⁠

Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Associate

Division: Engineering

Hello, my name is Anjana (she/her) and I am a Mechanical Engineering Associate in the Engineering division. 

As James Baldwin wrote, “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” Whether Baldwin would feel the same today or not, and acknowledging his complex view on the issue as a queer Black American, I carry a similar perspective when it comes to my work at the Lab. I have worked full-time here for 3 years in a term position, having started part-time as a Student Assistant for the year prior. I love the environment here, including all the lovely people, and I feel grateful to have the opportunity to be involved in the research conducted by my group (the Superconducting Magnet Program). Exactly for those reasons, I feel it is a responsibility of mine to better the workplace however I can. 

I have been involved in this unionization effort for almost a year now and it has been challenging and rewarding. When I first heard about it, I was honestly unsure if I wanted to get involved; it seemed risky for me as a newer employee and I was nervous about having conversations with my colleagues. However, through many conversations with employees across the Lab and with help from the wonderful fellow OC members and folks from UAW, I felt much more connected to my coworkers and understood how this union can not only bring us together but give us the power to push for improvements to our working conditions. We don’t have to just “criticize,” we can make change; whether that’s to wages, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, policies for international workers or remote work, or a number of other issues. 

As a Term employee at the beginning of her career who is also completing a part-time Masters program at Cal, I believe I will bring a unique perspective to this bargaining team. I have experience on the ground talking to many colleagues who are now fellow members in this union, and I believe I have developed a broad understanding of the range of issues which are important to us all; more importantly, I have developed a commitment to properly representing, protecting and advocating for our interests. I have also participated in an informal mediation meeting, which gave me firsthand experience of the strategy and decisionmaking required to effectively participate in negotiations with many players, including the UC and PERB. 

I would be honored for the opportunity to serve on the bargaining team. I commit to transparent communication and informed decision-making as we work to improve and protect our working conditions. Let’s build something together which we can all believe in! 

Job Title: Senior Fire Protection Engineer Associate

Division: SES

Dear Future Union Family,

I respectfully request that you consider my candidacy for the STEP-UAW Bargaining Committee. For over 25 years, I have been involved with unions (the International Association of Fire Fighters for over 25 years and the Teamsters for over 10 years) and I have gained valuable knowledge about solidarity, preparation and working toward common goals. Through my involvement in these unions, I have also witnessed firsthand how a strong contract can greatly enhance the life of a worker and his/her family through fair wage opportunities, good quality health insurance, secure retirements options, safe working conditions and the respect every worker deserves. When we go into bargaining sessions, I believe that the first step to achieving a successful negotiation is to listen. It’s crucial to take the time to find out what is most important to our members before any negotiations occur. This includes hearing your concerns, researching similar contracts, finding out the employers’ proposals and coming together as one committee with one goal, which is to achieve the strongest contract possible for all members.

Should I be elected, I pledge to maintain honest communication, hold myself accountable and remain transparent in all dealings. There are restrictions on information that can be released due to contractual obligations; however, I plan to provide updates and let you know of the status of negotiations as often as possible so you know where we stand on each issue. I firmly believe that all members deserve to be kept informed and represented throughout this process. No matter if you work in any department or have varying levels of seniority; I truly believe that every member should have an equal say in their representation. The decision I make will always reflect the interest of ALL MEMBERSHIP NOT JUST ONE GROUP OF MEMBERS. Should we encounter difficult decisions along the way, I will continue to focus on what is in the best interest of all of us and continue to think about long term goals while continuing to earn and protect your trust in me.

To me, leadership begins with listening. If your top priorities are wages, benefits, staffing, workplace safety, scheduling, job security or something else; I want to hear from you. Your priorities will play a large role in helping determine the decisions I make and the voice I will bring to the bargaining table. The ability to be part of the STEP-UAW Bargaining Committee would allow me to pay forward some of the many ways in which the labor movement has helped many professional and working class families including mine. I am willing and able to use my experience, dedication and commitment to represent every member.

I would be truly humbled to receive your trust, support and vote. Together, by being united and supporting one another, we can negotiate a fair, strong and enduring contract that secures our futures and represents the value of EVERY MEMBER.

In Solidarity,

Roland Quizon

Job Title: Staff Web Content Administrator

Division: NERSC

My name is Margie Wylie. I work for NERSC where I am responsible for the division website. Today, I’m asking for your support to join the bargaining team for our union, STEP-UAW. I have loved my 16 years at Berkeley Lab, where I have been privileged to work with some of the best scientific minds in pursuit of a shared mission. (I mean, how many people can say they work with Nobel Prize-winning scientists?) 

The skill and dedication of all Lab employees inspire me. But not everyone’s contributions are reflected equally in compensation, benefits, or opportunities for advancement. I have seen long-time staff at the same job level, or even misclassified, with no clear path up or out. Pay raises that don’t keep pace with inflation. A murky review process. Vacation allowances that lag far behind the wider job market. I hear of dwindling retirement benefits for newer staff, the uncertainties of term employment, or the challenges of navigating the immigration process with insufficient support. 

In my previous life as a journalist, I learned to be somewhat fearless in speaking truth to power. As someone whose work touches everyone in my division (and many outside it), I hear your concerns. As a member of the bargaining team, I would do my best to represent the collective good of all, without fear or favor. 

I respectfully request your vote. 

Collective bargaining, or just bargaining for short, is the process by which an organized group of workers (a union) uses their collective power and right to negotiate with employers (like the UC administration) over the terms and conditions of employment of workers in the bargaining unit. Many aspects of the bargaining process are regulated by law. The result of bargaining negotiations will be a legally enforceable collective bargaining agreement (a contract) between unionized workers and the employer.

Some 40,000 UAW-represented workers, including RPSPs (Research and Public Service Professionals), have fought together to win groundbreaking improvements in working conditions for professional staff across the UC system. STEPs are joining the RPSPs through a process called “accretion,” which groups similar workers into existing bargaining units. By joining with the RPSPs, STEPs are entitled to the benefits of a hard-won contract. The accretion process involves negotiating a “side letter,” which can cover a number of terms specific to STEPs. 

If you are a STEP, you should fill out the bargaining survey to help set our union’s bargaining priorities. 

The start date for bargaining will be agreed upon by UC and STEPs through the colleagues they elected to be bargaining representatives, the STEP-UAW bargaining team. Bargaining times and frequency have not yet been agreed.

During a bargaining session, STEPs and the UC’s bargaining team exchange and discuss proposals. Everything said during a bargaining session enters the bargaining record and can be used in the future to interpret the contract’s meaning, so both sides at the bargaining table say only as much as they need to get their points across. At any time during the session, either side can call a caucus to discuss privately with their own side.

Bargaining timelines can vary, but a major factor in the speed and success of winning a favorable contract rests with us as workers. STEPs now have a seat at the table. We have to be willing to apply the leverage we’ve gained together to negotiate with a powerful employer.

The best way for STEPs to get involved in the contract campaign is by joining the Contract Action Team (CAT)! CAT members publicly and visibly participate in the contract campaign, keep their coworkers informed about what’s going on in bargaining, mobilize their coworkers to take action throughout the campaign, and help to identify others who can play the same role. Join your CAT and sign up to attend a training.

Contact a fellow STEP on the organizing team by emailing step.lbnl.info@uc-uaw.org. Contact the bargaining team by emailing step-uaw-bargaining-team@uc-uaw.org.