CAPS Continues to Engage on Telework. As mentioned in a previous CAPS Update (the password is ChooseCAPS! – it is case-sensitive), CAPS delivered the CDFW and Waterboards Petitions to the Department’s Labor and Executive Offices on Monday, August 1, 2022. The Waterboards recently relented upon a department-wide approach to limiting telework, however, CAPS has heard that there are programs and areas tahat will continue to need assistance in correctly allowing maximum flexibility for telework. Additionally, CDFW has provided official notice on Thursday, July 27, that “Some employees may be required to either modify or terminate telework arrangements beginning September 1, 2022. CDFW management shall provide employees notice at least 30 calendar days in advance of terminating or modifying telework arrangements and/or requiring them to return to the office.” This notice from CDFW came after CAPS submitted an informal complaint surrounding the directions from supervisors to get new limited telework agreements by mid-August. Waterboards scientists have also been informed to submit their new telework agreements by August 15.
CAPS is advocating for all members to be allowed maximum flexibility when it comes to their telework agreements. CAPS understands that a one-size-fits-all approach is not productive and the efforts being made are to ensure that the departments roll out their telework policy in the same spirit.
Member Complaints Important in the Telework Effort. In a worksite meeting that was held last week, CAPS heard that members are uncomfortable submitting telework agreements that follow the 2-day in-office rule. CAPS relayed during this meeting that members should submit the telework agreement they would like to obtain – whatever that might mean to them, as opposed to limiting themselves by submitting the limitation that the department has set forth.
Telework Agreements are permissive, meaning that both parties must agree to the parameters that are contained in the Agreement. If a member submits a telework agreement, their supervisor must review it and engage with the member to find a best-fit for that member based on their job duties, per the 2021 Statewide Telework Policy. Should a supervisor disagree with the agreement, and should there be no resolution after a discussion, the supervisor can deny that telework agreement submission. If this occurs, the member then has the ability to contact CAPS and discuss the possibility of filing a grievance to attempt to obtain the best telework agreement possible. Without members engaging in that first step: putting forth what they would like to see and engaging with their supervisors, CAPS had no recourse to file any action on behalf of a particular member. Doing so helps CAPS help members, and will help CAPS in fighting for maximum flexibility in telework as a whole, as members illustrate that there are disagreements in the blanket-statement standards. So, if you find yourself denied a telework agreement that you believe suits your job duties, contact CAPS today at caps@capsscientists.org.
THANK YOU for the Successful Rally! On July 29, 2022, CAPS members, state service colleagues, supporters and outside organizations showed up to support CAPS and to Stand Up For Scientists! CAPS welcomed multiple speakers who emphasized the importance of the work that State Scientists do and how, without equitable compensation, the programs that protect California’s health, wealth, food supply, and abundant natural resources will suffer. The estimated attendance reached approximately 200 during a high point in the program and at least three media outlets attended, with one article being released immediately on Friday: https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article263982836.html. Thank you to all the members that attended and spread the word to make this event possible!
CalPERS News of downturn Should be Expected. In reports last month from CalPERS, the preliminary net return (earnings) on investments for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2022 was -6.1% and the total fund is now valued at $440 billion.
This news should not come as a shock – just as CalPERS has years with increases, expectations should also account for downturns. And just as a reminder, last year’s rate of return was 21.3%. Over the past 30 years, CalPERS has averaged an annual return rate of 7.7%. At the end of the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the CalPERS system was estimated to be 72% funded.
As outlined in this Californians for Retirement Security (CRS) opinion piece that was published last Wednesday, a down year is certainly nothing to be alarmed about. CalPERS is a long-term investor, built to withstand good years and bad. CAPS is a founding member of CRS, which represents 1.6 million public employees and retirees and was founded in 2005 to support and protect defined-benefit pensions. For additional details about the 2021-22 returns, please see CalPERS’ press release.
In Review. Check out what you may have missed from past CAPS Updates here:
July 26, 2022. CAPS Secures Side Letter for Healthcare Facility Employee Retention Payment. CAPS Agreed to a Side Letter Agreement with the State of California this week, attached to the 2018-2020 CAPS Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will provide $1,500 to Unit 10 employees who meet the following eligibility criteria: 1) employees must have been employed by the State on January 1, 2022, and remain employed upon the first day of the pay period following ratification (August 1); 2) employees must have worked in a correctional facility, correctional health facility, State Hospital, Veterans home, and/or Developmental Services Facility; and 3) employees must have worked in-person more than 50% of the time during the pandemic. The one-time payment agreed to by the Team applies to State Scientists in the Hazardous Materials Specialist classification at all CDCR and DSH facilities.
Read the rest of the entries, or see what else you may have missed on the CAPS Website here: http://capsscientists.org/members/caps-member-updates/ The password is ChooseCAPS! – it is case-sensitive.