You might still be wondering. At the August Board of Directors’ Meeting, there was a discussion surrounding the occurrences during the last quarter of bargaining, specifically the May Revise reductions. Board members indicated that they had been fielding a host of questions from why other cost-savings measures were not implemented, to why all employees, even those whose funding source has not been impacted, are subject to the salary reductions.
To follow up on this, the Board has opted to relay additional information to the membership surrounding the main themes of these comments and questions. The importance of having an engaged, informed membership is paramount, especially during these times of social distancing and teleworking. Please continue to contact CAPS with any questions, or with any requests for individual representation (caps@capsscientists.org).
If my funding is not from the general fund, then why am I subjected to a 5.93% reduction? The general fund versus special fund discussion is often brought up when across the board, mandatory reductions are proposed. The budget bill states general fund and “other funds” so unfortunately it wraps it all together regardless. Like previous Administrations, this Administration does not treat different sources of money separately. The Administration, as with past Administrations, may also borrow money from special funds to offset shortfalls in the general fund.
Why weren’t “golden handshakes” offered instead of reducing my pay? The Legislature and Administration were looking for immediate savings in this budget year. “Golden handshakes” cost money in the first few years and work better over time to save money. The initial costs includes the Administration paying CalPERS for the increased pension benefit, and with a retirement incentive it is presumed more people would retire all at once, which could increase the cost of cashing out banked leave.
When the CAPS Team proposed it, CalHR was not opposed to discussing it; however, through those discussions it came to light the “cost” would have to be neutral – i.e. we couldn’t actually offer the “golden” part of the handshake. Thus, it didn’t seem worthwhile to continue down that pathway for the membership.
Why are departments filling vacancies? Hiring is a state right. Per the budget, departments are to reduce their operating costs by 10%. Some departments may choose not to fill some vacancies to reduce cost, while others will continue to fill vacancies and find savings other ways.
The CAPS Team discussed a “hiring freeze” with the state as a way to save money. The Administration’s representatives listened but noted that some departments may choose not to fill vacancies to achieve their 10% savings, and also noted hiring is one of their “state’s rights” as management, and each department will determine the best method moving forward for that department.
Is there a possibility of layoffs? Layoffs have not been presented by the Administration. The current budget does not take into consideration layoffs. The CAPS Team’s intent is to protect all employed State Scientists.
Moving Forward. CAPS is currently in bargaining with the Administration and so some of these conversations may re-arise. This information is provided to the membership so that we continue to have one of the most engaged, knowledgeable bases of any Unit! Thank you for your continued support and activism.
Smoke Causes Unhealthy Working Conditions for Some CAPS Members. With the number of recent wildfires plaguing our state, State Scientists are being called to assess the burn sites for toxic contaminants and work to collect and care for displaced wildlife. California’s air quality has suffered as a result of these wildfires, leading to questions about the safety of working in poor air quality. California Code of Regulations §5141.1 describes employers’ obligation to keep employees safe when air conditions are not. In most cases, employers are responsible for effectively communicating the air quality, educating employees on how to stay safe when the air quality is not, and controlling employee’s harmful exposure (this can include providing masks and other PPE, when necessary). If you encounter issues at the worksite, contact CAPS (caps@capsscientists.org).
CalPERS Webinars. In October, CalPERS will launch a series of free monthly webinars for members about their benefits and financial planning options. Some of the virtual meetings scheduled in the near future will focus on CalPERS special power of attorney (on October 14), service credit purchases (on November 11), and how Medicare and CalPERS health benefits work together (on December 16). All sessions start at 11 a.m., and run approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the subject. CalPERS invites all state employees to participate, whether new to state service, mid-career, or approaching retirement. Please see the CalPERS Member Education webpage for more details about each session and to register for online access to these free educational events.
News Briefs.
Tiny Wasps Being Released Across San Diego… For Good Reason – It sounds like the stuff of nightmares: thousands of tiny wasps are being released in areas of San Diego County this week. But the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) says the minuscule bugs are actually the good guys.
North Coast Kelp Forest Restoration Project Showing Early Evidence of Success – One month since its launch, an unprecedented partnership for kelp restoration on California’s North Coast is demonstrating early evidence of success.
Column: Sharks moving north, redwood growth slowing, mosquitoes biting – this is California’s altered state – In California, we’ve come to see drought, extreme heat and deadly fire as the most alarming, obvious evidence of climate change. But life as we know it is being altered in multiple ways, often just out of view.