2023

CAPS sends you warm wishes during these holidays and hopes you return in the new year refreshed and ready to continue the fight! With the recent rejection of the State’s LBFO, your participation in actions will be the main source of pressure on this Administration … Read more

With the Holiday Season here, it’s an excellent time to consider how CAPS bargained the holiday calendar that gives State Scientists these paid days off each year: Many non-union, non-state employees receive as few as seven paid holidays annually. Over the years, CAPS successfully urged the State … Read more

CAPS Continues to Fight Against the State’s Intimidation and Retaliation. On November 15, CAPS began a 3-day rolling strike that was the first-ever in state civil service. It is evident that we shook things up: departments have no set procedures to fall back on when dealing … Read more

Join your fellow State Scientists and friends for a practice picket at the CalHR building in Sacramento! When: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 12-1pm. Reminder* CAPS is NOT on strike: attend practice picketing events on personal time! Where: California Department of Human Resources, 1810 16th Street, Sacramento, California 95811-7258. … Read more

During COP28 let’s work together to urge Gavin Newsom to demonstrate California’s dedication to addressing global climate change by investing in the California State Scientists doing the work behind his critical environmental agenda. Share the importance of California State Scientists during COP28 by posting at … Read more

Call to action, happening TOMORROW!  Together, let’s highlight how uniquely vital the work California State Scientists do to address major threats to public health and the environment. The time to Value Scientists is now!  On Monday, December 11th, join the conversation by posting on social … Read more

California State Scientists transform global climate pledges, partnerships, and agreements into meaningful policies and programs. Share the importance of California State Scientists during COP28 (28th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference meeting, the highest decision-making process on climate issues) during our Value Scientists social media … Read more

Two weeks have passed since we withheld our labor in the first ever strike of California state civil service workers. Together we are writing history!  Check out the growing list of news outlets that have shared our story: https://capscontract2023.org/the-platform/news/. Strike participation. If you forgot to sign in … Read more

Join your fellow State Scientists and friends for a practice picket at the CalHR building in Sacramento! When: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 12-1pm. Reminder* CAPS is NOT on strike: attend practice picketing events on personal time!Where: California Department of Human Resources, 1810 16th Street, Sacramento, California 95811-7258. The … Read more

CAPS Strike Hardship Fund Application. Your CAPS Board of Directors have been hard at work to establish the CAPS Strike Hardship Fund, and to ensure that the money from the Fund is disbursed equitably and with maximum beneficial impact. Applications will be evaluated utilizing a rubric, … Read more

On Saturday, November 18, 2023, over 1,200 State Scientists and our supporters attended CAPS’ Union Solidarity Rally and March outside of the California Democratic Party (CDP) Fall Endorsing Convention from 12pm to 1:30pm in the rain – and what a turn-out it was! The Rally … Read more

TODAYSaturday, November 18, 202312 – 1:30 PM Join the CAPS Union Solidarity Rally and March for Scientists outside of the California Democratic Party’s (CDP) Convention at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Downtown Sacramento on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 12 to 1:30 PM, RAIN OR SHINE! The rally will start at … Read more

Your CAPS Bargaining Team has called for a three-day strike on November 15, 16, and 17, 2023 using the following schedule: CAPS CALENDAR.  TODAY, November 17, 2023: ALL RANK-AND-FILE STATE SCIENTISTS ARE ON STRIKE AND SHALL WITHOLD THEIR LABOR.  It is time for ALL rank-and-file … Read more

The Defiance for Science CAPS-sanctioned Strike saw its biggest day yet – the end count of folks at the Sacramento picket today was 1,277 Scientists and supporters who marched, rallied and chanted around the CalEPA Building in Sacramento. Hundreds of additional scientists did the same at their … Read more

Your CAPS Bargaining Team has called for a rolling three-day strike on November 15, 16, and 17, 2023 using the following schedule: CAPS CALENDAR.  TODAY, November 15, 2023: All Rank-and-File Unit 10 Scientists who report to work in District 3 (Sacramento, West Sacramento, zip codes 95600 – … Read more

URGENT: State employees should telework in Los Angeles due to 10 Freeway Closure.  A fire damaged part of the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles early Saturday morning, leaving the freeway closed indefinitely in both directions. CalHR sent out a notice to all Department Directors … Read more

SAVE THE DATESaturday, November 18, 202312 – 1:30 PM Join the CAPS Union Solidarity Rally and March for Scientists outside of the California Democratic Party’s (CDP) Convention at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Downtown Sacramento on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 12 to 1:30 PM! Commit to Attend the Rally! The … Read more

CAPS has been negotiating with the State of California for a fair contract that Values Scientists for over three years. The Newsom Administration thus far has not shown a desire to negotiate a fair agreement that addresses CAPS long-standing pay equity issues. This has left CAPS with … Read more

You still have the opportunity to hear from your CAPS Bargaining Team (CAPS Team) at additionally scheduled worksite meetings. See the schedule below. You must pre-register in order to participate.  Your CAPS Bargaining Team has called for a rolling three-day strike on Wednesday, Thursday, and … Read more

Your CAPS Bargaining Team has called for a three-day rolling strike NEXT WEEK on November 15, 16, and 17, 2023.  Below is the schedule: November 15, 2023: All Rank-and-File Unit 10 Scientists who work in CAPS District 3 (zip codes 95600 – 95894) are on strike and … Read more

Your CAPS Bargaining Team (CAPS Team) participated in mediation with the Administration (State) on November 8, 2023, with one clear and long-standing goal: secure a fair contract for our membership that addresses our most pressing issues and VALUES Scientists!  No agreement has been reached and … Read more

Dear Colleagues, As we continue to use all the bargaining processes available to us to reach a fair contract for all rank-and-file State Scientists, there are reactions for every action we take. Your CAPS Board and Bargaining Team have taken necessary steps to have impasse declared formally … Read more

SAVE THE DATESaturday, November 18, 202312 – 1 PM Join the CAPS Union Solidarity Rally and March for Scientists outside of the California Democratic Party’s November 2023 State Endorsing Convention at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Downtown Sacramento on Saturday, November 18, 2023!   The rally will be … Read more

Dear Colleague,  Have you ever wanted to get more involved with the real work of your union? Consider putting your name in the hat to be selected as a member of one of the CAPS Committees. CAPS Committees perform the work and decision-making for the … Read more

Results Are In! The votes have been cast and the results are in. The official results as verified by the CAPS Elections Committee and ElectionBuddy.com can be viewed online here with the verified results. Without further ado, please welcome your 2023-2025 CAPS Board of Directors:   President … Read more

CAPS Board of Directors Election CLOSES TODAY, Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 5 p.m. The CAPS Board of Directors Election voting period officially closes TODAY, Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 5 p.m., PDT.  Only MEMBERS can vote in the election.  This election vote is being held … Read more

Dear Colleague and Friend, Thank you for your support of CAPS Sponsored Bill AB 1677 (McKinnor).  AB 1677 was vetoed by the Governor on Sunday, October 8, 2023. AB 1677 would have required the UC Berkeley Labor Center to perform an impartial study to examine the existing … Read more

Dear Colleague,  Excellent work engaging in solidarity breaks, the regional rallies, and the Strike Authorization Vote among all the other actions we’ve successfully completed this year! As you may have heard, the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) has declared that CAPS and the State are … Read more

SAVE THE DATESaturday, November 18, 202312 – 1 PM Join CAPS for an informational picket and rally outside of the California Democratic Party’s November 2023 State Endorsing Convention on Saturday, November 18, 2023 in Downtown Sacramento!  Governor Newsom will likely be in attendance, in addition to many other … Read more

SIGN UP TO ATTEND THE CAPS VIRTUAL “WORKSITE” MEETINGALL RANK-AND-FILE UNIT 10 WELCOME! Virtual Meeting – Via ZoomCAPS District 5 CaltransWednesday, October 11, 202312 – 1 PM Join CAPS for a virtual “worksite” meeting with your District Director and CAPS recruitment specialist. The meeting will begin with a … Read more

Open Enrollment for CalPERS Health Plans, Open NOW.  CalPERS’ health care Open Enrollment started September 18 and ends on October 13, 2023. The open enrollment period is your chance to evaluate your health plan provider and make changes that will take effect January 1, 2024. During … Read more

CALL TO ACTION: Write to Governor Newsom to encourage him to sign AB 1677 (State Scientist Salaries – Impartial Study) The Governor has until October 14, 2023 to sign legislation that was approved by the Legislature this year.  AB 1677, which would require the UC … Read more

CAPS Board of Directors Election Commences MONDAY, October 2, 2023. The CAPS Board of Directors Election voting period officially commences on Monday, October 2, 2023, at 8 a.m., PDT.  Only MEMBERS can vote in the election.  This election vote is being held entirely online. Each eligible … Read more

CAPS was founded in 1984 by State Scientists for State Scientists as their representative organization for contractual negotiations over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. But in the four decades since then, CAPS has built a catalog of benefits that add value to membership, such as: … Read more

Worksite Meetings Scheduled. Your CAPS Bargaining Team understands we are entering into time that will bring many questions about bargaining and will be providing more detailed information at these scheduled worksite meetings, this Tuesday and Wednesday. Be sure to attend with your colleagues! See the schedule, … Read more

TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT CAPS SPONSORED BILL AB1677! This week, AB 1677, which would require the UC Berkeley Labor Center to perform an impartial study to examine the existing State Scientist salary structure, evaluate historical salary relationships with other state employees performing substantially similar work, … Read more

Dear Colleague,  Great job coming together in recent weeks to participate in Solidarity Breaks, the Teach-in, and Lunchtime Rallies! And excellent work showing up to the Los Angeles and Oakland Value Scientists! Rallies! Your participation in these CAPS Actions will help to win at the … Read more

Dear Colleague,  Great job coming together in recent weeks to participate in Solidarity Breaks, the Teach-in, and Lunchtime Rallies! And excellent work showing up to the Los Angeles and Oakland Value Scientists! Rallies! Your participation in these CAPS Actions will help to win at the … Read more

Dear Colleague,  Great job coming together in recent weeks to participate in Solidarity Breaks, the Teach-in, and Lunchtime Rallies! Your participation in these CAPS Actions will help to win at the bargaining table. Our strength is determined by YOU and YOUR colleagues’ continued participation! So … Read more

Board Meeting Actions.The quarterly CAPS Board of Directors’ Meeting was held last Saturday, August 19, 2023. Actions by the Board of Directors included:   The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Boardroom at 555 Capitol Mall for Board members and staff, … Read more

Bargaining with the State Scheduled for August 15. The CAPS Bargaining Team will once again meet with the State of California to continue negotiating for a successor MOU on Tuesday, August 15. Be sure to participate in the Union Actions listed here to support your CAPS … Read more

Board Of Directors Meeting. The next CAPS Board of Directors’ (BOD) Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 9am. In consideration of attendee safety and wellness, CAPS members are invited to attend virtually. Members who wish to attend will need to pre-register for the … Read more

Dear Colleague,  Great job banding together in recent weeks to participate in solidarity breaks, the teach-in, and lunchtime rallies! Your participation in these CAPS Actions will help your union win at the bargaining table.  CalHR has taken notice – the time is now to act! … Read more

Dear Colleague,  Great job coming together in recent weeks to participate in Solidarity Breaks, the Teach-in, and Lunchtime Rallies! Your participation in these CAPS Actions will help to win at the bargaining table. Our strength is determined by YOU and YOUR colleagues’ continued participation! So … Read more

CAPS Board of Directors Elections Candidates Announced. Nominating Petitions for the 2023-2025 CAPS Board of Directors were due by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2023. Below you will find the list of candidates in contested seats for 2023-2025 CAPS Board of Director positions. The candidates … Read more

Here’s your final reminder: if YOU want to serve your fellow State Scientists, and are considering running for one of the positions on the CAPS Board of Directors (BOD), your nominating petition with at least ten CAPS Members’ signatures and information is due TODAY!  Monday, July 31, 2023!  … Read more

CAPS Worksite Meetings Being Held in August: Please join CAPS for virtual worksite meetings, details on information to be shared and registration links below! BARGAINING UPDATE WORKSITE MEETINGONLY RANK-and-FILE MEMBERS MAY REGISTER Virtual Meeting – Via ZoomDistricts III and VThursday, August 3, 202312 – 1 … Read more

CAPS Teach-In & Lunchtime Rallies are TOMORROW! It’s almost here! Tomorrow, July 26, 2023, CAPS is holding a virtual Teach-In, followed by in-person rallies at your worksite! YOU can participate by joining your colleagues from 12 p.m. – 12:20 p.m. at the Virtual CAPS Teach-In (be sure to … Read more

Here’s a friendly reminder, If YOU want to serve your fellow State Scientists, and are considering running for one of the positions on the CAPS Board of Directors (BOD), your nominating petition with at least ten CAPS Members’ signatures and information is due on Monday, July 31, 2023!  … Read more

CAPS’ 2023 Action Campaign Value Science? Value Scientists!   CAPS’ actions have been organized with one goal in mind:  Support the CAPS Bargaining Team and illustrate to Governor Newsom, his Administration, and the State’s representatives at the Table that State Scientists are UNITED and STAND with our … Read more

Here’s a tale of three states: What do all these states have in common? They don’t allow state employees to bargain collectively. What they earn is decided by politicians with zero input from the people who make the government work. Of course, things are different … Read more

Dear Colleague,  There is power in unity. Your participation in CAPS Actions will help your union win at the bargaining table. Our strength is determined by YOU and YOUR colleagues’ robust, persistent participation. The Action:  Update your email signature to contain one of the following … Read more

CAPS Sponsored Bill AB1677 Passes through Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee. On June 28, CAPS Secretary Justin D. Garcia, other supporting organizations like the California Labor Federation, and a handful of CAPS Members testified in support of CAPS Sponsored Bill AB 1677 at the Senate Labor, Public … Read more

Dear Colleague,  There is power in unity. Your participation in CAPS Actions will help your union win at the bargaining table. Our strength is determined by YOU and YOUR colleagues’ robust, persistent participation. The Action: July 26 Teach in and Lunchtime Rallies at YOUR worksites!Where: Your … Read more

Dear Colleague,  There is power in unity. Your participation in CAPS Actions will help your union win at the bargaining table. Our strength is determined by YOU and YOUR colleagues’ robust, persistent participation. The Action:  Complete an Action Commitment Card (paper or online form) to show your commitment to participate in ongoing … Read more

CAPS Supplemental Insurance Open Enrollment – ENDS TODAY! CAPS Members now have access to three new Supplemental Insurance offerings: Accident Insurance Critical Illness Hospital Indemnity To learn more about the benefits and enroll please visit the Decision Support Tool. Your personal login information is below: User … Read more

Dear Colleague,  There is power in unity. Your participation in CAPS Actions will help your union win at the bargaining table. Our strength is determined by YOU and YOUR colleagues’ robust, persistent participation. The Action:  Participate in CAPS Solidarity Breaks! Pursuant to California Labor Law, … Read more

Board Meeting Actions. The quarterly CAPS Board of Directors’ Meeting was held last Saturday, May 20, 2023. Actions by the Board of Directors included:   The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the Holiday Inn, Downtown Sacramento for Board members and staff, and … Read more

TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT CAPS SPONSORED BILL AB1677! This week, AB 1677, which would require the UC Berkeley Labor Center to perform an impartial study to examine the existing State Scientist salary structure, evaluate historical salary relationships with other state employees performing substantially similar work, … Read more

CAPS TABLING EVENTSALL STATE SCIENTISTS WELCOME! Please join the CAPS Board, Staff, and other leaders for a tabling event. Stop by the table to learn more about your union, CAPS, the importance of membership, staying engaged, and taking action to support your CAPS leaders!  Multiple … Read more

CAPS Supplemental Insurance Open Enrollment – Only Two Weeks Remaining! CAPS Members now have access to three new Supplemental Insurance offerings: Accident Insurance Critical Illness Hospital Indemnity To learn more about the benefits and enroll please visit the Decision Support Tool. Your personal login information is … Read more

Board Of Directors Meeting. The next CAPS Board of Directors’ (BOD) Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 9am. In consideration of attendee health and safety, the meeting will be held virtually for members interested in attending. Members who wish to attend will need … Read more

State Scientists’ Day is Wednesday! CAPS is proud to announce the return of State Scientist Day on the West Steps of the Capitol. May 3, 2023, marks the 32nd Annual State Scientist Day where the Assembly Concurrent Resolution, sponsored by Dr. Jasmeet Bains, has been passed to … Read more

CALL TO ACTION: Show YOUR Support! Your CAPS Bargaining Team (CAPS Team) meets with the State, TODAY, April 25. Be sure to show your support by taking the survey, wearing your CAPS T-shirt, and using the CAPS Virtual Backgrounds!  Bargaining Proposals from Members – Submit by May … Read more

Speak with a Product Specialist about the New Insurance Offerings during Open Enrollment. Any CAPS Member interested in learning more or speaking to a product specialist about what benefit might be best for them should register using the links below to speak to a Product … Read more

CAPS Announces New Group Insurance Offerings, Open Enrollment.As a CAPS member, you are automatically enrolled in our complimentary Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment plans, which can help your family financially if the unforeseeable happens. In addition, you have access to the CAPS … Read more

CAPSule on the Web. The February Issue of CAPSule, CAPS’ monthly newsletter, is posted on the CAPS website. You can view it here.  Keep your Union Strong! Recruit a new member! CAPS offers a $50 incentive for recruiting new members, whether they are Rank-and-File, Supervisory, or Managerial State … Read more

Bargaining. Your CAPS Bargaining Team met last week and will meet again this week to continue planning discussions. We’ve discussed member engagement ideas and items for development including a forthcoming Bargaining Survey. Please stay tuned! Our next few meetings will likely continue to be planning and … Read more

Safety Footwear Reimbursements are Not Taxable Income. CAPS has filed several grievances at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, after members noticed their safety footwear reimbursements came back with additional taxes taken out, and won! We’ve released a call for members to reach out if … Read more

Board Meeting Actions. The quarterly CAPS Board of Directors’ Meeting was held last Saturday, February 4, 2023. Actions by the Board of Directors included:   The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the Hyatt Centric, Downtown Sacramento. Staff Quarterly Report Posted. The Quarter 4 … Read more

Board Of Directors Meeting. The next CAPS Board of Directors’ (BOD) Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 9am. In consideration of attendee safety and winter wellness, the meeting will be held virtually. Members who wish to attend will need to pre-register for the event … Read more

Third Meet and Confer Session Held with CDFW over Telework “Directives.” On December 29, 2022, the CAPS Meet and Confer Team (CAPS Team) met with representatives from CDFW in the hopes of productive discussions related to the directives that CAPS objected to in late August and … Read more

Bargaining. The CAPS Bargaining Updates over the last couple weeks have announced the Total Tentative Agreement, reached between the State and the CAPS Bargaining Team on December 16, 2022, a schedule of ratification worksite meetings, a ratification resources page on the CAPS website, and information on voting. Ballots have … Read more