CCEU History
Representation of the Cabrillo College classified employees by SEIU started in 1979, when the classified workers decertified C.S.E.A. The Public Employees Relation Board (PERB) had previously mandated that our bargaining unit would consist of all non-certificated (non-teaching) workers except management, confidential, substitute and short-term employees. Past presidents of the Cabrillo College chapter include: Kathy Abma, Ken Florance, Alexa McCrea, Bonnie Bodhe, Marla Henry, Dave Morales and Stephanie Stainback. Alexa and Kathy recently retired, their knowledge and expertise is missed, yet Kathy continues to stay in touch and assist us when necessary. Bonnie retired several years ago. Marla left Cabrillo, returned as an elected trustee (endorsed by SEIU) to Cabrillo's governing board, and then retired from that position. Dave left Cabrillo to become a Field Representative for SEIU Local 415 for the County of Santa Cruz while Ken left for the greener pastures of private industry in the information technology field.
2003 was a very tough year for the classified staff. Several semesters of decreasing student enrollment brought a concomitant decrease in state funding. In 2003, the classified workers honored many of our longest tenured staff members with a retirement celebration at Chaminade at Santa Cruz. We wish them all the best health and happiness.
Our most recent past president, Stephanie Stainback served us with great dedication and was a tirelessly strong voice for five years. Due to term limits, Stephanie stepped down as president in 2005. The Classified workers honored her tenure as president with a special decree. As Stephanie re-learns her real job as Laboratory Instructional Assistant in the Library, she remains active in the Chapter as an advisor to the Council for a year, as well as an elected Steward. She also remains active in various committees including the Vice President's of Instruction hiring and Health Benefits committees. We are all very happy to have her remain active and have her tireless support of our Chapter.
2006 brought many challenges to the Cabrillo Chapter leadership but each was met with grace, respect and strength that pervade the classified ranks. Lena Mason was elected President but was unable to complete her term. The Chapter Council called a special membership meeting to elect new officers. The result- Janus Blume as Interim President, Leah Hlavatyas Interim First Vice President position and Alta Northcutt as Interim Second Vice President. All three fulfilled their union duties with grace and dignity during some tough times. We thank each of them for their willingness to step forward and take on these challenges.
In January, 2007, Stephanie Stainback was again elected President, Janus Blume- 1st VP, Alta Northcutt -2nd VP, Sharon Spence -Recorder, Cathleen Reno- Treasurer and Mikki Adams, Lori Amato, Anya Finke, Dale Jerred and Lena Mason - Members at Large.
By the end of April 2007, the overwhelming majority of Cabrillo workers voted to disaffiliate from SEIU and organize an independent union, Cabrillo Classified Employees Union (CCEU), which was recognized by the Cabrillo Community College District as the official bargaining agent for the classified workers. By early summer, a lawyer/consultant had been hired to see us through the transition to a non-profit organization, workers had approved a new constitution, and there was a flurry of decision-making. CCEU's logo was designed by Jill Gallo.
By the summer of 2007, CCEU had established several new committees including a Member Relations Committee to greet new members and plan social events, an Audit and Budget Committee to oversee finances and prepare reports for the Board and General Membership and a Grievance Committee that works closely with our Union Consultant and maintains the representation policy, oversees all steward cases and decides points of emphasis for contract interpretation.
For All-College Day on Friday, August 31, 2007, CCEU turned out en mass with turquoise T's and buttons, filling the center section of the theater in the presence of six of the last seven Cabrillo Presidents on stage for the event. The packed house of staff, faculty, administrators, Board of Trustees and honored guests included Mr. and Mrs. Richard Crocker and Cabrillo's first President, Robert Swenson. The Crockers presented Cabrillo with a donation of $1,000,000 for the special place Cabrillo has played in their lives and the lives of their families.