Labor Relations Updates

Learn about �鶹ԭ��’s represented employees and the collective bargaining process

Introduction

At �鶹ԭ��, our approach to labor relations is rooted in our core values and committed to fostering fair, respectful, and constructive relationships among employees, supervisors, and College leadership.

Our labor relations team supports our dining and facilities employees represented by a bargaining unit and helps the College approach collective bargaining and other labor matters thoughtfully and collaboratively. This page provides information and resources about represented employees, collective bargaining, labor agreements, and relevant updates affecting the �鶹ԭ�� community.

Bargaining Process Status

�鶹ԭ�� bargaining unit employees have been represented by Unite Here Local 11 since 2022.

The collective bargaining agreement (i.e., contract) between �鶹ԭ�� and Unite Here Local 11 expired on June 30, 2026. Since April 2026, �鶹ԭ�� has made proactive efforts to begin negotiations for a successor agreement. Over these past four months the College has repeatedly reached out to the union to establish bargaining dates; we are awaiting a response.

The first week of July, �鶹ԭ�� took the unusual step of submitting its opening proposal before bargaining dates were established, reinforcing our readiness and commitment to begin negotiations. Consistent with these values, we are actively seeking the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful and constructive bargaining process that results in an agreement that is fair, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of our employees and the College.

We value our relationship with Unite Here Local 11 and believe that open, respectful dialogue is the best path forward. Our employees deserve a timely process that provides clarity and stability, and the College remains ready to come to the table and begin that work.

Bargaining Process FAQs

During collective bargaining, representatives of the College and the Union meet to negotiate the terms and conditions of employment, such as wages, benefits, and contract language.

Both parties exchange proposals, discuss areas of agreement and disagreement, and work in good faith to reach a mutually acceptable collective bargaining agreement. The process often involves multiple bargaining sessions, with proposals and counterproposals, until an agreement is reached.

Unite Here Local 11 serves as the exclusive representative for bargaining unit employees. Represented employees remain employees of the College and are expected to comply with all applicable College policies, procedures, and workplace expectations.

is a federal statute that establishes certain rights to collective bargaining in the workplace and establishes rules for how employers may engage with represented employees.

“is an independent federal agency created in 1935 and vested with the power to safeguard employees’ rights to organize, engage with one another to seek better working conditions, choose whether or not to have a collective bargaining representative negotiate on their behalf with their employer, or refrain from doing so. The NLRB also acts to prevent and remedy unfair labor practices committed by private sector employers and unions, as well as conducts secret-ballot elections regarding union representation.”

Contact:

Local: (213) 894-5200
Toll-free: (844) 762-6572

The collective bargaining agreement (i.e., contract) between �鶹ԭ�� and Unite Here Local 11 expired on June 30, 2026. Since April 2026, �鶹ԭ�� has been proactively communicating with union representatives for a new agreement and is currently and eagerly awaiting a response from the union regarding next steps. We welcome the opportunity to begin discussions.

Although the collective bargaining agreement expired on June 30, 2026, employees' wages, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment remain in effect while negotiations continue.

The timeline depends on the College and the Union reaching mutual agreement on the proposals presented during negotiations.

Once a tentative agreement is reached by the College and the Union, and ratified by union members, the new collective bargaining agreement takes effect immediately.

Commitment to Community

“Guided by our shared commitment to social responsibility, we believe transparency, open communication, and thoughtful dialogue are essential to building trust and navigating difficult conversations. While we may not always agree on every issue, we are committed to approaching these negotiations collaboratively with honesty, respect, and a genuine willingness to listen as we work towards an agreement that serves our employees, our students, and the College."

Deanna Caballero

Associate Vice President of Human Resources

Contact

Labor Relations Team

For any additional questions or clarifications, feel free to email Deanna Caballero, associate vice president for Human Resources, and Soffia Aranda-Ramirez, employee relations and engagement specialist, who lead our Labor Relations Team.

labor-relations@pitzer.edu