A guaranteed voice
A seat at the table for salary, COLA, benefits, workload, flexibility, and working conditions.
Why a Union and Why Now?
MiraCosta Classified Professionals are the only California Community College classified staff without a union.
We currently depend on governance and meet-and-confer processes for decisions involving pay and working conditions. A union gives eligible Classified Professionals a legally recognized bargaining representative and a direct voice in negotiations.
Professional support
Experienced negotiators backed by labor research, organizing resources, and legal support.
An enforceable contract
Clear commitments that cannot be changed unilaterally, instead of relying on informal understandings or "me too" treatment.
Protection during budget pressure
A recognized voice when decisions affect staffing, workload, compensation, benefits, or workplace flexibility.
Representation when problems arise
A defined process and knowledgeable representation for workplace disputes, contract questions, and employee concerns.
The post-2018 pay system is not sustainable
Employees hired after 2018 are placed on a five-step salary schedule. After the final step, regular salary progression stops; employees receive only COLAs and small one-time payments that do not increase base salary. That hurts retention and treats employees doing comparable work differently based on hire date.
View the salary comparison
This graph shows how the post-2018 Classified salary structure falls behind the progression available to other employee groups.
Another classification and compensation study is here
The last major study created the current two-tier compensation system. During the current study, Classified Professionals need independent expertise, research, and representation on our side of the table.
Why We Are Organizing with AFT Guild
After numerous information sessions and discussions about the pros and cons of AFT and CSEA, we polled all eligible MiraCosta Classified Professionals. A majority chose AFT. Based on that clear mandate, we are moving forward together with AFT.
AFT Guild, Local 1931 is a member-driven union representing community college Classified Professionals, Faculty, and Hourly Workers throughout San Diego County. Its experience is closely aligned with the work we do and the institutions we serve.
Community college expertise
Support from a local union that already understands community college workplaces in our region.
Professional representation
Experienced assistance with bargaining, contract enforcement, research, organizing, and legal representation.
A member-led local voice
MiraCosta employees will identify priorities, elect local leaders, and shape the direction of our chapter.
What Employees Want From a Union
Employees were not asking for a union simply to have a union. They identified practical improvements that collective bargaining could provide.
76% want stronger negotiating power
A union-backed team focused on compensation, COLA, longevity, classification, benefits, and working conditions.
"Stronger negotiations: We are at a disadvantage compared to the district, as we do not have the same level of legal expertise or depth of knowledge regarding labor laws and regulations. As a result, negotiation outcomes often favor the district when we engage directly."
Survey respondent
55% want better working conditions
Including workload, out-of-class work, scheduling, flexibility, and workplace fairness.
"Teleworking for eligible employees to support work-life balance. COLA. Longevity."
Survey respondent
54% want stronger advocacy
Representation that recognizes the varied work and roles of Classified Professionals.
"Advocating for staff needs, fostering professional development and keeping all staff in the loop about what is happening"
Survey respondent
52% want fairer and more consistent policies
Clearer, more transparent, and more equitable application of workplace rules and processes.
"Ensuring the Class and Comp study is done fairly and effectively. Ensuring that Classified are appropriately represented in the various spaces and conversations."
Survey respondent
Keep in Touch
Learn about our organizing plans and stay connected with the organizing team.