Staff members in unions can no longer be on assembly committees that deal with issues of workload, wages and salary, including the executive, staff insurance and retirement, and scientific and professional staff committees. But, non-union staff members can and do fill those positions. But, better university budgets and improved employee morale has led to a renewed interest in participation since then. Miller points to the enthusiasm that staff devotes to its annual spring celebration. Certainly the 20th anniversary of Thanks Goodness for Staff next year was a milestone for Staff Assembly.
People really look forward to the annual celebration.
This is something staff does for staff. It takes hundreds to plan the event. Some work all year and others three or four months on it. Miller and her board are also working with Guy Madison, who is chairing the UC Davis Health System Staff Assembly this upcoming year, to strengthen its program. Madison says that Staff Assembly may deliver fun at the medical center, but it also serves a more serious function for the organization.