CAPS-UAW Affiliation Agreement Has Been Ratified by CAPS Membership!
A clear majority of the membership of the California Association of Professional Scientists (CAPS), representing almost 6,000 professional scientists who work for the state of California, have voted to affiliate with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), according to votes counted.
2,993 ballots were submitted out of 4,010 eligible members, of those:
- 2,566 returned ballots with a vote to “YES – APPROVE” the Affiliation Agreement and charter CAPS as a local union of the UAW.
- 357 returned ballots with a vote to “NO – REJECT” the Affiliation Agreement and keep CAPS as an independent union with no change.
- 70 returned ballots with a vote to “abstain.” Abstentions count towards the quorum required in Article III Section 4(b) of the CAPS Bylaws, and will not be counted towards the majority vote required to ratify the affiliation agreement pursuant to Article III Section 5 of the CAPS Bylaws.
In summary, the preliminary results indicate “YES – APPROVE” wins with 88% of the vote. 75% of CAPS membership voted.
Stay tuned for more information!
CAPS-UAW Affiliation Agreement Ratification Vote
Closed March 31, 2024 at 11:30pm!
This page is updated by CAPS Leadership as questions and feedback come in. Last updated: 04/01/2024.
It’s critical YOU, the membership, participate throughout this process and discuss affiliation with your colleagues and CAPS Leadership! Town Hall dates announced below.
Register for Town Hall Dates!
Only rank-and-file Scientists (only members welcome after March 18, 2024):
Town Hall Presentations and Discussion:
- Monday, March 4, 12-1pm
- Wednesday, March 6, 12-1pm
- Thursday, March 7, 12-1pm
- Friday, March 8, 12-1pm
The purpose of these Town Halls is to facilitate an open discussion among colleagues. There will be no presentations or panelists, just an opportunity for open communication.
- Saturday, March 16, 10-11am
- Thursday, March 21, 6-7pm
Join us for panel discussions with UAW members at the scheduled Town Hall meetings (below) with an opportunity to pre-submit questions and ask questions in real-time.
- Monday, March 11, 12-1pm
- Wednesday, March 13, 12-1pm
- Thursday, March 14, 12-1pm
Only Unit 10 supervisors and managers (only members welcome after March 18, 2024):
Join us for panel discussions with UAW members at the scheduled Town Hall meetings (below) with an opportunity to pre-submit questions and ask questions in real-time.
- Wednesday, March 20, 12-1pm
Town Hall Presentations and Discussion:
- Tuesday, March 12, 12-1pm
- Friday, March 15, 12-1pm
- Wednesday, March 27, 12-1pm
- Thursday, March 28, 12-1pm
- Saturday, March 30, 10-11am
- The purpose of this town hall is to facilitate an open discussion among colleagues. There will be no presentations or panelists, just an opportunity for open communication.
Couldn’t attend a Town Hall meeting? Watch a recording of our presentation, below!
Updates from CAPS Leadership on UAW Affiliation
TODAY, your CAPS Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve an affiliation agreement between CAPS and the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and to bring that agreement to the membership for a ratification vote.
You, the membership, will decide whether we affiliate as a local of the UAW. Should the membership vote to affiliate, the affiliation agreement shall become effective immediately. Should the membership decline to affiliate, CAPS will continue under our current model as an independent union.
Your colleagues need YOU to support affiliation! Watch for additional information every Tuesday and Thursday over the next few weeks to learn more! Visit the UAW affiliation webpage that will be continually updated with information, sign up for the upcoming worksite meetings, and cast your ballot between March 18 – 31st.
The ratification vote shall begin at 8:00 a.m. March 18, 2024 and conclude at 11:30 p.m. on March 31, 2024. The vote shall occur via an electronic voting system using a third-party vendor approved by the Executive Committee.
Only members can vote in the ratification vote.
If you are not a CAPS member: joining CAPS before March 17th secures your eligibility to vote to ratify this affiliation agreement and exercise the power of your voice as a member of our union. There are many benefits to being a part of CAPS, and securing an affiliation with the UAW adds to that.
Apply to become a member of your union, CAPS here.
Members: provide your preferred contact information to ensure you receive your ballot. Your voice is your vote! Make sure you get your ballot by providing your preferred contact information here, even if you have provided it to CAPS before. We have heard of issues in past elections with ballots not being delivered, and this form addresses this. The information provided in the form will be cross-referenced with what is currently on file to ensure we provide your correct information to our third-party election vendor. It will ensure your voice is heard through your vote!
You will need to know your membership identification number (listed below) to fill out the contact form. If the space after the “ID#” is blank, and you have not received your CAPS Membership ID# before at either your personal or work email address, please fill out this form. Please be sure to check both of your email accounts (including spam folders) before contacting CAPS Leadership using the aforementioned form.
Why affiliate with the UAW?
Here are 5 noteworthy reasons affiliation with the UAW would benefit you and your colleagues:
- Power and experience negotiating with the employer.
- Immediate access to the UAW strike fund (over $800 million and growing).
- Support to shift our union from a service model to an organizing model.
- Influential political advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels.
- A supporting network of over 600 local UAW unions.
There are many more benefits to affiliation with the UAW. Read about them on the UAW affiliation webpage soon!
What affiliation means.
Affiliation is subject to a majority membership approval of the terms of affiliation, pursuant to the process outlined in Article III of the CAPS Bylaws which requires a majority of eligible members to vote for quorum. This means a simple majority (over 50%) of all CAPS members must submit a ballot. Of those ballots submitted, there needs to be a simple majority of “yes” votes to affiliate.
A membership vote of approval from a majority of members returning ballots shall constitute acceptance of CAPS as a UAW local union charter governed by the terms of the affiliation agreement.
Following an affirmative vote of the membership to affiliate with the UAW, the UAW will immediately charter CAPS as a local union. This would allow CAPS to maintain its autonomy as a union dedicated to advocating for California State Scientists while being a part of a larger collective fighting for a common goal: A commitment to improving the lives of working people around the globe.
Learn more about the affiliation opportunity from CAPS and UAW leaders. Sign up for online and in-person worksite meetings over the coming weeks. Keep a lookout for meeting registration links!
This past Saturday, your CAPS Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve an affiliation agreement between CAPS and the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and to bring the agreement to the membership for a ratification vote. An affiliation with the UAW would allow us to maintain our autonomy as a union dedicated to advocating for California State Scientists while adding benefits like immediate access to the UAW strike fund (over $800 million and growing) and the political clout and demonstrated negotiating experience of the UAW both locally and at the national level. Read about these benefits and more on the UAW affiliation webpage and FAQ page! Your colleagues need YOU to support affiliation, too! Watch for additional information over the next few weeks, visit the UAW affiliation webpage, sign up for the upcoming town hall meetings, and become a CAPS member by March 17 at 5pm so you can cast your ballot between March 18 – 31st. Any State Scientist who is not a member by 11:59pm on March 17will not be eligible to vote. Why join CAPS now? Joining CAPS before March 18th secures your eligibility to vote to ratify this affiliation agreement and exercise the power of your voice as a member of our union. There are many benefits to being a part of CAPS, and securing an affiliation with the UAW adds to that. Apply to become a member of your union, CAPS, here. Town Hall Meetings: Initial Dates Announced. Learn more about and discuss the affiliation opportunity with CAPS and UAW members. Sign up for online and in-person town hall meetings over the coming weeks. Keep a lookout for meeting details on the CAPS Events Calendar and registration links in future communications!
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Voices of the CAPS Board
Read on to see why the CAPS Executive Committee voted to bring the UAW Affiliation Agreement to the membership for a vote. Read and learn more about the agreement on the UAW Affiliation Webpage.
“UAW’s culture of democracy is a fundamental aspect of its identity. Throughout the last few years, CAPS leadership has made admirable strides toward becoming a democratic union, and affiliating would jumpstart these efforts. UAW is committed to providing fair and equitable representation for all members, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are considered. State Scientists have been disrespected and left behind for far too long. The State, as an employer, has deliberately divided us for decades now, in every way they can…hoping that would diminish our strength and willpower. UAW has demonstrated through its leadership and its actions that it will fight and stand up for ALL workers. CAPS and UAW align in prioritizing solidarity among our members and encouraging workers to unite and support each other. Affiliating with an international union that shares our core values is our perfect opportunity to strategically reset our relationship with our employer and demand the respect we deserve.”
– Jacqueline Tkac, CAPS President
“I believe that affiliation with the UAW will give us the changes the membership has been asking for.”
– Rae Vander Werf, CAPS Vice President
“I jumped at the opportunity to affiliate with a strong union with extensive resources that will support our members in taking an active role in their union and winning a contract they deserve.”
– Itzia Rivera, CAPS Treasurer
“I believe that CAPS/UAW affiliation gives State Scientists the strongest chances of achieving a fair and equitable contract today, and for maintaining fair and equitable compensation into the future.”
– Hannah Johnson, CAPS Secretary
Register for Town Hall Meetings
Learn more about and discuss the affiliation opportunity with CAPS and UAW members! Sign up for online and in-person town hall meetings below. Subscribe to the CAPS Events Calendar using your personal email to stay up to date with upcoming CAPS events.
- Only rank-and-file Scientists (members and non-members welcome):
- Only Unit 10 supervisors and managers (members and nonmembers welcome):
More dates to be announced.
Vote!
The ratification vote shall begin at 8:00 a.m. March 18, 2024 and conclude at 11:30 p.m. on March 31, 2024 via a third-party electronic voting system. Your voice is your vote! More details about the vote logistics will be released soon.
In this issue:
- Common Questions and Concerns
- Register for Town Halls: New Date Added!
- Vote!
Responding to Common Questions and Concerns
If you are a dues-paying member, regardless of if you are a manager, supervisor, or rank-and-file employee, you are all able to participate in this vote and are encouraged to ask questions and discuss affiliation with other State Scientists.
CAPS leadership has received your questions via email, through the Contract Action Team, and during the Town Halls. Your feedback is extremely valuable! There are some common questions and concerns CAPS Leadership would like to address so you can make an informed decision when the ratification vote for the CAPS-UAW Affiliation begins on March 18th.
The new “Member Submitted Questions” section on our FAQs webpage will continue to be updated with member-submitted questions. Here are a few…
What are the quorum requirements for affiliation?
The minimum vote participation required to meet quorum is a majority (over 50%) membership vote participation. Of the participating voting members, a simple majority (over 50%) have to vote “yes” for the affiliation agreement to be ratified. More information can be found at the UAW Affiliation Vote webpage.
What’s in it for UAW?
UAW shares similar goals, values, and priorities as CAPS. UAW acknowledges the critical strength of the membership, and the value of using the union’s resources to maintain a credible strike threat through their robust Strike and Defense Fund, and to build the power workers need to get what they want and achieve change. Additionally, many scientists from other UAW locals come to work for the state as a next step in their career, so there is a direct pipeline of UAW scientists from higher education to Bargaining Unit 10. Affiliation would facilitate collaborative advocacy between us, including for legislation, funding, and policies that support science and scientific initiatives.
How would affiliation impact the autonomy of our union?
Affiliating will allow us to improve and build upon our union’s democracy. Affiliation with UAW does not impact our union’s status as an autonomous non-profit mutual benefit corporation representing Unit 10 in California State civil service, as was established by our Articles of Incorporation in 1984. Section 6 of our affiliation agreement acknowledges that our Articles of Incorporation will not change as a result of the affiliation.
Our Articles of Incorporation state that the specific and primary purposes of this corporation (CAPS) are:
- to represent employees in State Service who are in classifications assigned by the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) to the Professional Scientific Unit, Unit 10, in their employee and labor relations with the State by providing services deemed necessary and appropriate to such representation; and
- to promote the interests of professional scientists in state service.
UAW recognizes that CAPS is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation organized under the Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law and it is subject to applicable existing and future laws by reason of such status. Nothing in the Affiliation Agreement is intended to change or otherwise impact on such status.
How will we make sure members are represented?
CAPS leadership will work with our current contracted professional labor representatives and UAW representatives to ensure there is no lapse in representation. For situations such as cases in front of the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) or the State Personnel Board (SPB), Skelly Hearings, and anything going to arbitration, we will ensure the necessary legal representation is provided in coordination with UAW representatives and CAPS attorneys.
Ultimately, immediately post-affiliation we will begin to develop our union stewardship program. Union stewards will consist of members who volunteer or are voted-in to represent their co-workers, after receiving appropriate training. We will be working closely with experienced UAW representatives and our experienced consultants who will serve as mentors throughout this process.
Would the UAW International Executive Board need to approve a strike for rank-and-file State Scientists?
A strike happens when workers from a UAW Local Union collectively decide to withhold their labor, after authorization from the UAW International Executive Board. In the UAW, strikes are governed by the UAW Constitution, including Articles 12, 16 and 50 (see: https://uaw.org/strike-faq/).
The UAW International Executive Board would be required to approve any future CAPS strikes (see Article 50 of the UAW Constitution) after a two-thirds majority vote by secret ballot of those voting (only rank-and-file State Scientists of Bargaining Unit 10 would be eligible to participate) to request strike authorization from the International Executive Board. This is an additional layer of accountability, to ensure any strike authorization vote is done democratically and is legitimate. No other UAW members from other Local Unions would determine whether or not CAPS could go on strike.
The UAW International Executive Board has demonstrated, especially over the last two years, that they value strikes as a crucial and powerful tool in advancing the interests of working people. The UAW’s perspective on strikes reflects a commitment to collective action and the belief that workers, when united, can influence positive change in their working conditions and overall well-being.
Does the UAW represent other scientists?
Many California State Scientists actually came from UAW locals throughout California. Most notably, UAW Local 5810 and UAW Local 2865, who represent workers at institutions of higher education employing academic researchers. The UAW recognizes the value of interconnected workers, across all sectors, in the fight to preserve and promote scientific integrity, expand quality scientific programs that will ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all, and effectively fight climate change. This starts with advancing the general interests and working conditions for all working people, including California State Scientists.
Would the percentage of rank-and-file dues decrease if we agree to a “no strike clause” in our contract?
No. Public employees have the presumptive right to strike in California, subject to certain limitations. Strikes by public employees for specific reasons are indeed legal in California as defined by PERB, whereas a “no strike clause” is a contractual obligation not to engage in strikes or to advocate for them unless and until impasse is officially determined for both parties by PERB. Pre-impasse strikes may also be protected if the union provides evidence to PERB that the strike was provoked by the employer’s unfair labor practices. More information on this topic can be found at the CAPS Bargaining Procedures webpage. Therefore, rank-and-file members have the “right to strike” as it relates to the dues rate in #12 of the Affiliation Agreement, even if we had a “no strike clause” in our contract (which we currently do not while at impasse).
Is representing rank-and-file, supervisors, and managers a conflict of interest?
CAPS currently represents both rank-and-file and supervisory/managerial classifications. Upon affiliation with the UAW, CAPS would eventually be organized into three separate but amalgamated units, each with their own bodies of representation elected by their respective unit’s members. This would allow for more specialized representation for each of the units, and still allow us to collaborate on issues that affect all State Scientists. Expanding representation for each unit would also facilitate a broader solidarity among State Scientists.
Did CAPS Leadership look into other unions for potential affiliation?
Yes, CAPS leadership looked at several other unions and determined UAW was the best fit for CAPS membership after extensive research that has been ongoing for over a year. Our research focused on reviewing the union’s governing documents, assessing leadership structure, union culture, history and reputation, democratic practices, political and legislative advocacy, union representation of scientists and public sector workers, and member resources.
Have another question? Your colleagues probably have the same one! Visit the UAW Affiliation Webpage for additional FAQs, attend a Town Hall to discuss this opportunity with CAPS leaders and other state scientists, and join a weekly solidarity break on your break hosted by members of the Contract Action Team (CAT) to listen and engage with others in our bargaining unit. Solidarity breaks are now on the CAPS Events Calendar. Contact the host(s) listed in the calendar appointment to request an invite or email uaw-affiliation@capsscientists.org to get connected.
Register for Town Hall Meetings
Learn more about and discuss the affiliation opportunity with CAPS and UAW members! Sign up for online town hall meetings below. Subscribe to the CAPS Events Calendar using your personal email to stay up to date with upcoming CAPS events.
Only Unit 10 rank-and-file Scientists (members and non-members welcome):
- Thursday, March 7, 12-1pm
- Friday, March 8, 12-1pm
- Monday, March 11, 12-1pm
- Wednesday, March 13, 12-1pm
- Thursday, March 14, 12-1pm
Only Unit 10 supervisors and managers (members and nonmembers welcome):
More dates are to be announced.
The ratification vote shall begin at 8:00 a.m. March 18, 2024 and conclude at 11:30 p.m. on March 31, 2024 via a third-party electronic voting system. Your voice is your vote! More details about the vote logistics will be released soon.
Why We’re Here
On February 24, 2024, your CAPS Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve an affiliation agreement between CAPS and the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and to bring that agreement to the membership for a ratification vote.
You, the membership, will decide whether we affiliate as a local of the UAW. Should the membership vote to affiliate, the affiliation agreement shall become effective immediately. Should the membership decline to affiliate, CAPS will continue under our current model as an independent union.
What affiliation means
Affiliation is subject to a majority membership approval of the terms of affiliation, pursuant to the process outlined in Article III of the CAPS Bylaws which requires a majority of eligible members to vote for quorum. This means a simple majority (over 50%) of all CAPS members must submit a ballot. Of those ballots submitted, there needs to be a simple majority of “yes” votes to affiliate.
A membership vote of approval from a majority of members returning ballots shall constitute acceptance of CAPS as a UAW local union charter governed by the terms of the affiliation agreement.
Following an affirmative vote of the membership to affiliate with the UAW, the UAW will immediately charter CAPS as a local union. This would allow CAPS to maintain its autonomy as a union dedicated to advocating for California State Scientists while being a part of a larger collective fighting for a common goal: A commitment to improving the lives of working people around the globe.
History of CAPS
CAPS was formed in 1984, by state scientists who disaffiliated from the California State Employees Association (now SEIU Local 1000) and formed CAPS to have a union dedicated solely to state scientists and not other state employees. Since 1984, we’ve been a small, independent union relying on consultants to lead and run our union, but during that time, we have not been able to win contracts that maintain pay equity with state engineers performing similar work. CAPS has low member dues in comparison to other unions, but we don’t have the resource advantages that come with being part of a larger union and that limits our capacity to win.
By affiliating with UAW, we can maintain our independent status as a local union dedicated to the employment and professional needs of state scientists, but also have access to more resources and the political clout of UAW, and enhance our collective power at the bargaining table and in the State Capitol, but also the nation’s Capital.
How CAPS is currently structured
Our current structure is based a longstanding “service model union” culture. This “service model union” was something that was viewed as what was best for the membership at the time.
Affiliating with the UAW does not interfere with our union’s autonomy or democracy. CAPS would be a separate, autonomous local union and the UAW will not take any action that would impair that status, without the consent of the CAPS membership.
About Locals of the UAW
Local unions are autonomous units of the UAW comprised of members who work for the same employer and share a common interest in their work conditions.
Local unions that are comprised of members who work for different employers or under different units are amalgamated…which is what we would be by including our supervisors and managers in our union still.
There are over 600 UAW local unions in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The UAW has more than 400,000 active members and more than 580,000 retired members.
CAPS Structure as a Local of the UAW
CAPS, should we affiliate, will work to conform our Bylaws and Policy Manual with the International UAW Constitution by January 2026. CAPS leadership have read the UAW Constitution and the affiliation agreement to ensure all required and necessary changes would align with our values and principles as a union. The new local union and its officers, agents, and members will be governed in all respects by the UAW Constitution.
Article 37 of the UAW Constitution describes the Duties and Powers of Subordinate Bodies, which our local union would become post-affiliation.
Article 38 of the UAW Constitution describes the Local Union Officers. Currently, CAPS has the following Executive Officers: The President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The UAW Constitution requires the following Executive Officers: President, Vice President or Vice Presidents, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, three (3) Trustees, Sergeant-at-Arms and Guide, and such Members-at-Large as CAPS may deem necessary. The offices of Financial Secretary and Treasurer may be combined, subject to discretion of the local union.
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