What is the status of CAPS-UAW 2026 SSAs?

CalHR made the decision not to fund state workers’ raises in the 2026 Budget Act. CAPS-UAW members showed up united in our fight to enforce our contract, and as a result, the  funding for our 2026 raises has been included in a budget trailer bill (SB and AB113). On September 18, 2026, Governor Newsom signed the Budget Bill Junior. This bill includes special salary adjustments (SSAs) for state scientists dating back to July 1, 2026. Once the SSAs appear on CAPS-UAW member paychecks, expect a separate paycheck that includes backpay shortly thereafter.

Does the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) continue in 2026?

Yes, the 2025 Budget Side Letter included PLP 2025 where State Scientists will receive 6 hours of PLP 2025 for 3.5% reduction in pay effective until June 30, 2027.

What is my 2026 SSA?

Due to the PLP 2025 program State Scientists may not “see” (the full extent) of this raise in their final take home pay. But, our 2026 raises are in effect and count towards retirement calculations, overtime, and contribute to future earnings. Gross pay increases are based on groupings of classifications in our MOU and 2025 Budget Side Letter. Special Salary Adjustments (SSAs) can be found summarized in the table below based on range placement on July 1, 2026.

What does “Top Step” mean? 

Some classifications, such as the Environmental Scientist class, have multiple ranges: A, B, and C. Other classifications, such as Pest Prevention Assistant III, only have one range. “Top Step” means the employee is capped out and receives the max compensation for their range or classification. 

What is OPEB and how does suspending OPEB contributions increase take-home pay?

Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) are contributions by both state workers and the State to fund health benefits for state retirees. These OPEB contributions will be suspended during the period of the PLP program – virtually every state worker union has agreed to suspend OPEB contributions. Effectively, you will see a 2.1% increase in your take-home pay. OPEB suspension as a result of the 2025 Budget Side Letter will conclude on June 30, 2027. 

Are the differentials in our MOU protected?

Yes! The differentials in our MOU including longevity pay, geographic pay, fire mission, and education pay are not impacted by the Side Letter. Per the MOU, State Scientists with 20 years of state service will even receive a higher longevity pay differential, of 5.5%, effective July 1, 2025. Please note these percentages are not cumulative.

October/November 2026 Back Pay Calculations:

Example: Topped Out ES Range C, no MSA

Simple Calculation:

$8,994.86 * 0.05 = $449.74*

What your back pay for each month (July, August, September) should be, roughly

To see full math (if you like numbers):

Calculate true salary: $8,994.86÷0.965 = $9,321

July 1, raise: $9,321 * 0.05 = $466**

**$466 is the amount your salary increased with the SSA

Reduce back pay by PLP 2025: $466 * 0.035 = $16.31

$466 – $16.31= $449.69*

*In Cal Employee Connect, the pay warrant labeled “Various” should reflect the amount $449.69 for July, August, and September.

Example: Not-Topped Out ES Range C, with MSA in September

Simple Calculation:

July & August – $7,986.34 * 0.03 = $239.59*

September – $8,385.85 * 0.03 = $251.57*

July back pay = $239.59

August back pay = $239.59

September back pay = $251.57

To see full math (if you like numbers):

Calculate true salary: $7,986.34÷0.965 = $8,276.00

July 1, raise: $8,276.00 * 0.03 = $248.28**

**$248 is the amount your true salary increased with the SSA

Reduce back pay by PLP 2025: $248.28 * 0.035 = $8.69

$248.28 – $8.69 = $239.59*

True salary with SSA: $8,276 + $248.28 = $8,524.28

Reduce true salary by PLP: $8,524.28 * 0.035 = $298.35; $8,524.28 – $298.35 = $8,225.93 

September MSA – pay warrant received for September was $8,385.85

$8,524.28 * 0.05 = $426.21**

**$426.21 is the amount your true salary increased with the MSA

True salary with SSA and MSA: $8,524.28 + $426.21 = $8,950.49

Reduce true salary by PLP: $8,950.49 * 0.035 = $313.27; $8950.49 – $313.27 = $8,637.22

September back pay = $8,637.22 – $8,385.85 = $251.37*

*In Cal Employee Connect, the pay warrant labeled “Various” should reflect the amount $239.59 for July and August, and $251.37 for September.

Scenarios of a typical Scientist:

*Please note that these scenarios are meant to be examples of the different types of SSAs and do not include all possible situations and differentials that these hypothetical scientists may qualify for receiving. 

Environmental Scientist – RANGE A 

Alex Lamb is an Environmental Scientist with an anniversary date of May 15, 2026. Alex was hired into Range A and is therefore eligible for an SSA and Range Change in the 2026-2027 budget year. Alex’s current salary, as reflected on their pay warrant, is $4,263 (after PLP reduction). Alex’s salary without the PLP reduction is $4,418. Alex’s base salary would increase:

Environmental Scientist, Topped Out – Range C

Becky Beaver is an Environmental Scientist with 22 years of state service. Becky is at the top of the Range C and therefore is not eligible for merit salary adjustments. Becky’s current salary, as reflected on their pay warrant, is $9,321. Becky’s salary would increase:

Research Scientist III

Jan Brady is a Research Scientist III who was just hired on September 29, 2025. Jan is not at the top of the salary range and therefore is eligible for merit salary adjustments. Merit Salary Adjustments are added on to the true gross salary, before PLP is deducted. Jan’s current salary, as reflected on their pay warrant, is $7,811. Jan’s salary would increase:

Associate Toxicologist

Chemical Steve is an Associate Toxicologist hired into Range B on August 1, 2020. Steve is at the top of Range B and is not eligible to receive merit salary adjustments. Steve’s current salary, as reflected on their pay warrant, is $9,456. Steve’s salary would increase: