August 20, 2020

Virtual Board of Directors’ Meeting Scheduled for Saturday. The August Board of Directors’ Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2020, commencing at 9 a.m. via Zoom. All CAPS Members are welcome to attend the open-door session. All attendees must pre-register for the open-door session here. In order to allow for an efficient use of … Read more

August 20, 2020

COVID-19 Resources | Alert Archives | Dear Colleague,  CAPS recognized that some members may be displaced from their homes (and offices, if they were still reporting) amid evacuation orders as a result of the multiple wildfires across the State, and CAPS has reached out to CalHR to request that those members be provided Administrative Time … Read more

August 14, 2020

Worksite Meetings Before August 22nd Board of Directors’ Meeting. In advance of the Board of Directors’ Meeting on Saturday, August 22, 2020, the CAPS Board of Directors will be hosting virtual “worksite” meetings to allow members a forum to hear from and ask questions of Board Members. The meeting will begin with a presentation by … Read more

August 11, 2020 Update

All Provisions of MOU Continue. Thanks to the “Evergreen Provision” in the Dills Act, the CAPS 2018-2020 MOU remains in effect beyond its term, until a successor agreement is reached. So, all portions of the MOU that were not modified by the recent Side Letter Agreement remain in effect until the CAPS Bargaining Team and … Read more

August 7, 2020

State Controller’s Office Makes Calculation Error. The State Controller’s Office (SCO) has announced that they made an error when calculating employee’s retirement deductions that resulted from the May Budget Revise Reductions negotiated across all units. As a result, the July payroll retirement withholding amount was less than what it should have been for employees who … Read more

August 4, 2020 Update

State Controller’s Office Makes Calculation Error. The State Controller’s Office (SCO) has announced that they made an error when calculating employee’s retirement deductions that resulted from the May Budget Revise Reductions negotiated across all units. As a result, the July payroll retirement withholding amount was less than what it should have been for employees who … Read more

July 30, 2020

Purpose of the Board of Directors Meetings. The Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting is a formal meeting of CAPS Board Members to conduct routine business of the Board. This meeting is usually held quarterly to discuss current challenges and address policy issues within the organization. The Board of Directors conducts the meetings according to the … Read more

July 28, 2020 Update

Purpose of the Board of Directors Meetings. The Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting is a formal meeting of CAPS Board Members to conduct routine business of the Board. This meeting is usually held quarterly to discuss current challenges and address policy issues within the organization. The Board of Directors conducts the meetings according to the … Read more

July 21, 2020 Update

CalPERS 2021 Health Plan Rates Released. The CalPERS Board of Administration has approved new healthcare plan rates for 2021. The overall average increase over the 2020 rates is 4.32%. It is not unexpected the 2021 healthcare plan rates have increased, as they increase every year. This is slightly lower than last year’s increase of 4.65%. … Read more

July 17, 2020

Return-to-Office Plans. After hearing about a handful of instances of noncompliance with mask-wearing, issues with cleaning schedules, and other health and safety concerns, CAPS sent formal letters to the ten departments that employ the most State Scientists, in addition to several other, smaller departments where members heard rumors of reopening. The letters anonymously detailed the … Read more

July 14, 2020 Update

Return-to-Office Plans. After hearing about a handful of instances of noncompliance with mask-wearing, issues with cleaning schedules, and other health and safety concerns, CAPS sent formal letters to the ten departments that employ the most State Scientists, in addition to several other, smaller departments where members heard rumors of reopening. The letters anonymously detailed the … Read more

July 9, 2020

PLP 2020 Effective July 1. As we reported in a CAPS Alert last Thursday, CalHR released guidelines for so-called excluded employees with regard to the legislatively-required employee compensation reductions. Under CalHR’s guidelines, PLP 2020 went into effect on July 1, 2020. CAPS has confirmed with CalHR that Supervisory and Managerial State Scientists will also see … Read more

July 7, 2020 Update

PLP 2020 Effective July 1. The CAPS membership overwhelmingly approved the side letter agreement between CAPS and the State of California surrounding the employee compensation reductions mandated by the state budget. Because of this, PLP 2020 went into effect on July 1, 2020. The Side Letter Agreement states that PLP 2020 will be credited on … Read more

July 6, 2020

COVID-19 Resources | Alert Archives | Dear Colleague,  With California continuing to reopen, and the prospect of returning to state offices seemingly closer than ever, CalHR has released guidance to Departments for employees surrounding COVID-19, facial coverings, and the return to office. You can read the full text of CalHR’s most recent guidance on their … Read more

July 2, 2020

COVID-19 Resources | Alert Archives | Dear Supervisory and Managerial State Scientists, CalHR has officially released the State’s plans for so-called “excluded” employees (those excluded from the Ralph C. Dills Act which governs collective bargaining) with regard to the employee compensation reductions required by the State Budget as a result of the Pandemic Recession. Supervisory … Read more

July 2, 2020

Supervisor’s Committee Sent Proposals to CalHR. As discussed in previous emails, CAPS Supervisor Director, Scott Bauer, requested to Meet and Confer with CalHR surrounding the legislatively-approved employee compensation reductions, shortly after Governor Newsom announced the need for them. Since that time, the Supervisor’s Committee (the password is S10CAPS – it is case-sensitive) has been advised that … Read more

June 26, 2020

CAPS Rank-and-File Bargaining. As mentioned in the CAPS Supervisors’ Update on June 18, agreements that the CAPS Bargaining Team reach do not apply to excluded employees, State Scientific Supervisors and Managers, in the same way. Many times benefits that Rank-and-File bargain for are extended to their Supervisory and Managerial counterparts, but not all the time … Read more

June 24, 2020 Alert

COVID-19 Resources | Alert Archives | Dear Colleague, On June 18, 2020, Governor Newsom released a statewide order for the use of face coverings while in public. The same afternoon, CalHR, in conjunction with CDPH, released additional guidance to all departments regarding steps for individuals to take to reduce the risk of COVID 19 in … Read more

June 18, 2020

CAPS Supervisors Request Meet-and-Confer Scheduled. In the last Supervisor’s Update we reported that CAPS Supervisory Director, Scott Bauer, had requested a meet-and-confer with CalHR surrounding Governor Newsom’s May Revise announcement that the State of California will be looking to find 10% cost savings to employee compensation. CalHR has agreed to meet with the Supervisor’s Committee, … Read more

June 10, 2020 Alert

COVID-19 Resources | Alert Archives | Dear Colleague, California Continues Reopening. As California begins the process of reopening, CAPS has urged the State, at all levels, to protect the health and safety of State Scientists upon their return. CAPS has been in contact with Departments and CalHR, urging the State to follow the guidance of … Read more

June 4, 2020

CAPS Supervisors Request Meet-and-Confer. CAPS Supervisory Director, Scott Bauer, has requested a meet-and-confer with CalHR surrounding Governor Newsom’s May Revise announcement that the State of California will be looking to find 10% cost savings to employee compensation. CAPS’ rank-and-file Bargaining Team has been meeting with CalHR to discuss how the cost savings may be creatively … Read more

May 19, 2020 Update

Governor’s May Revise. The Governor’s revised budget was released last Thursday, which includes large cuts to his $222 Billion proposed budget from January. Governor Newsom’s revised budget proposal is about $203 Billion, with so-called “trigger cuts” tied to federal relief. The Governor’s proposals to enact a balanced budget include drawing down $16.2 Billion in the … Read more

May 14, 2020 Alert

COVID-19 Resources | Alert Archives | Dear State Scientist, CalHR, representing Governor Newsom, updated CAPS late yesterday on their plans just ahead of the release of the May Revise today. On the call, they informed CAPS of the following items:   The Administration is inviting CAPS and all bargaining units back to the table to reach … Read more

May 13, 2020

Department of Finance Outlook. It’s no surprise that the Department of Finance (DOF) has been releasing information surrounding the state budget that cautions spending and reports a deficit moving forward.  The latest fiscal update from May 7 stated, “California began 2020 with a strong bill of financial health-a strong economy, historic reserves, and a structurally … Read more

May 12, 2020 Update

Department of Finance Outlook. It’s no surprise that the Department of Finance (DOF) has been releasing information surrounding the state budget that cautions spending and reports a deficit moving forward.  The latest fiscal update from May 7 stated, “California began 2020 with a strong bill of financial health-a strong economy, historic reserves, and a structurally … Read more

May 5, 2020 Update

Vacation/Annual Leave Cash Out. Typically, CalHR authorizes Departments to analyze whether they have funding to participate in the Vacation/Annual Leave Cash Out Program in April for the current Fiscal Year and to inform the unions. CAPS requested information on the program in April. On Friday, CalHR confirmed that at the direction of the Department of … Read more

May 5, 2020

Vacation/Annual Leave Cash Out. Typically, CalHR authorizes Departments to analyze whether they have funding to participate in the Vacation/Annual Leave Cash Out Program in April for the current Fiscal Year and to inform the unions. CAPS requested information on the program in April. On Friday, CalHR confirmed that at the direction of the Department of … Read more

May 4, 2020 Alert

COVID-19 Resources Alert Archives Dear Colleague, State Scientists are ready, capable, and specially-trained in ways that could assist with the State’s effort to flatten the curve. That’s the message that CAPS sent to the Governor and the California Government Operations Agency (GovOps) several weeks ago. We’re here, we’re trained, what more can CAPS and its … Read more

April 28, 2020 Update

CAPS Member Needs Our Help!  Military Department Sr. Environmental Scientist and CAPS Member Brian Pierskalla has requested catastrophic leave donations in order to continue receiving pay and benefits.  Section 3.10 of the CAPS MOU allows the transfer of the following types of leave credits as catastrophic leave: CTO, Personal Leave, Annual Leave, Vacation, Personal Day, … Read more

April 28, 2020

CAPS Member Needs Our Help!  Military Department Sr. Environmental Scientist and CAPS Member Brian Pierskalla has requested catastrophic leave donations in order to continue receiving pay and benefits.  Section 3.10 of the CAPS MOU allows the transfer of the following types of leave credits as catastrophic leave: CTO, Personal Leave, Annual Leave, Vacation, Personal Day, … Read more

April 27, 2020 Alert

COVID-19 Resources Alert Archives Dear Colleagues, We’d like to start by once again thanking you for all you’re doing to keep California functioning by protecting public health, agriculture, the environment, and California’s natural resources. CAPS is continuing the effort to ensure the Unit stays informed by providing these updates to all (member and nonmember alike). … Read more

April 21, 2020 Update

Board Meeting Postponed. The CAPS Board of Directors’ Meeting which was previously scheduled for May 16, 2020 has been postponed to June 13, 2020. Currently, the meeting is scheduled to be held at the Holiday Inn – Sacramento Downtown, Arena (300 J Street Sacramento) contingent upon the lifting of Governor Newsom’s Stay-at-Home Order. To visit CAPS … Read more

April 21, 2020

Board Meeting Postponed. The CAPS Board of Directors’ Meeting which was previously scheduled for May 16, 2020 has been postponed to June 13, 2020. Currently, the meeting is scheduled to be held at the Holiday Inn – Sacramento Downtown, Arena (300 J Street Sacramento) contingent upon the lifting of Governor Newsom’s Stay-at-Home Order. To visit CAPS … Read more

April 16, 2020 Alert

COVID-19 Resources Alert Archives Dear Colleagues, Thank you for your continued patience as we all navigate these unprecedented times. We strive to get you information as often and quickly as possible.   CAPS continues to provide member assistance for individual and group representation issues related to COVID-19, individual representation issues not related to COVID-19, and advocate … Read more

April 14, 2020

Voluntary Personal Leave Program. Included in the CalHR Manual, section 2114, is a program designated the “Voluntary Personal Leave Program” (VPLP), which allows State Scientific Supervisors and Managers the ability to reduce their pay by 4.62% or 9.23% in exchange for 8 or 16 hours of VPLP time each month, respectively. Those who enroll continue … Read more

April 14, 2020 Update

Vacation/Annual Leave Cash Out. Typically, April is the month that CalHR authorizes departments to analyze whether they have funding to participate in the Vacation/Annual Leave Cash Out Program for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year and to inform the unions. CAPS has requested information on whether CalHR will be informing departments in the typical timeline, considering the … Read more

April 13, 2020 Alert

COVID-19 Resources Alert Archives Dear Colleagues, Thank you for all you continue to do to keep California functioning amidst these unprecedented times. State Scientists’ work has always been essential to the maintenance and advancement of the State as a political, economical, and ecological gem. We’ve always known this, but now, it seems, the public is … Read more

April 9, 2020 Alert

COVID-19 Resources Alert Archives Dear Colleagues, Thank you for your patience as the guidance surrounding the State’s response to the novel coronavirus has rapidly shifted over the past few weeks. CAPS will continue to notify you of changes and other benefits available to you, and today is no different. Last week, CAPS released an update regarding … Read more

April 7, 2020 Update

Telework and your Rights. CAPS members in most Departments are being asked to work from home in an effort to follow Governor Newsom’s Stay at Home Order. That said, all of your employee rights remain in full effect. If you need CAPS’ assistance, or have a question about your rights, please contact CAPS (caps@capsscientists.org). Working … Read more

April 3, 2020 Alert

COVID-19 Resources Alert Archives Dear State Scientists: Several days ago we updated you that the situation was changing daily regarding guidance from the CDC, WHO, and local public health officials regarding how to address the COVID-19 Pandemic. We wanted to continue to update you, letting you know the CAPS Board of Directors supports sheltering in … Read more

April 1, 2020 Update

Hard Work Deserves Commensurate Pay. Rank-and-File State Scientists Fall into one of two Work Week Groups: Work Week Group 2 (WWG 2) or Work Week Group E (WWG E). If an employee is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in state service, their classification falls into Work Week Group E (WWG E) – these … Read more

March 24, 2020 Update

Statewide Shelter in Place Order Given. As noted in Friday’s CAPS Alert, Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a statewide Shelter in Place Order. Some CAPS members are considered to work in “essential functions,” and must report to work. Those members should see social distancing protocols in effect at their workplace. Otherwise, departments were instructed to … Read more

March 20, 2020 Alert

COVID-19 Resources Alert Archives Dear State Scientists: Several days ago we updated you that the situation was changing daily regarding guidance from the CDC, WHO, and local public health officials regarding how to address the COVID-19 Pandemic. We wanted to continue to update you, letting you know the CAPS Board of Directors supports sheltering in … Read more

March 19, 2020

Updates on COVID-19, Daily. Over the weekend, Governor Newsom updated the recommendations from the State regarding mitigation for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). You can view the press conference on Twitter. During the update, the Governor cautioned people 65 years and older to consider staying home in self-isolation. He is allowing restaurants to remain open but cutting … Read more

March 17, 2020 Update

Updates on COVID-19, Daily. Over the weekend, Governor Newsom updated the recommendations from the State regarding mitigation for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). You can view the press conference on Twitter. During the update, the Governor cautioned people 65 years and older to consider staying home in self-isolation. He is allowing restaurants to remain open but … Read more

March 5, 2020 Update

Bargaining Kicks Off Today for Unit 10 Rank-and-File. You will likely hear talk around the water cooler – Bargaining commences today for Rank-and-File CAPS members, who are subject to the CAPS MOU, with a meeting between the Bargaining Team and Governor Newsom’s Representatives from CalHR. While Supervisory State Scientists are not subject to the Dill’s … Read more

February 27, 2020 Update

Board of Directors’ Meeting Recap.  The quarterly CAPS Board of Directors’ Meeting was held last Saturday, February 22, 2020. Motions undertaken by the Board of Directors included: Approving of the Minutes of the November 2, 2019 Board Meeting, as amended. Adopting a budget for the 2020 Calendar Year. Approving Esther Tracy (DWR – Sacramento) and … Read more

February 27, 2020

Board of Directors’ Meeting Recap.  The quarterly CAPS Board of Directors’ Meeting was held last Saturday, February 22, 2020. Motions undertaken by the Board of Directors included: Approving of the Minutes of the November 2, 2019 Board Meeting, as amended. Adopting a budget for the 2020 Calendar Year. Approving Esther Tracy (DWR – Sacramento) and … Read more

February 20, 2020

CAPS 2020 Primary Election Recommendations.  As you may be aware, the California primary election has been moved up this year to Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Each election year, CAPS evaluates the records of dozens of candidates running for state legislative offices. Based on each candidate’s experience, record in public office, and stated positions on issues … Read more

February 20, 2020 Update

CAPS 2020 Primary Election Recommendations.  As you may be aware, the California primary election has been moved up this year to Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Each election year, CAPS evaluates the records of dozens of candidates running for state legislative offices. Based on each candidate’s experience, record in public office, and stated positions on issues … Read more

February 12, 2020

Savings Plus Changes. Savings Plus is redesigning and customizing its Core Investment Lineup and Target Date Funds. To transition to the new investment fund lineup, Saving Plus is introducing a Reselection Window to give participants an opportunity to make their investment selections. The Reselection Window will open on April 1, 2020, and will close on … Read more

February 12, 2020 Update

Savings Plus Changes. Savings Plus is redesigning and customizing its Core Investment Lineup and Target Date Funds. To transition to the new investment fund lineup, Saving Plus is introducing a Reselection Window to give participants an opportunity to make their investment selections. The Reselection Window will open on April 1, 2020, and will close on … Read more

February 5, 2020 Update

Bargaining Team Met. Your CAPS Bargaining Team met this week to go over the initial bargaining survey results, discuss priorities, and evaluate strategy and tactics for upcoming bargaining. Right now, the best way to help your Bargaining Team prepare for the upcoming negotiations, and to ensure your voice is heard, is to participate in the … Read more

February 5, 2020

Supervisors FAQ. Can Supervisory State Scientists attend Worksite Meetings? Unless otherwise stated in the invitation, all CAPS members are welcome to attend worksite meetings. These meetings are a good place to hear about current events with the Board of Directors, to talk to your District Director and/or CAPS Staff about issues you may be experiencing … Read more

January 30, 2020 Update

Reminder: Bargaining Survey Released Tuesday. The 2020 CAPS Bargaining Survey went out to CAPS members and nonmembers on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. CAPS needs to hear YOUR voice to continue as a member-run union. The CAPS Bargaining Team understands that fair pay has been and continues to be the top priority when it comes to … Read more

January 29, 2020

Worksite Meeting Scheduled at CalEPA Building. A worksite meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2020, in the Byron Sher Auditorium at the CalEPA Building in Sacramento (1001 I Street, Sacramento) from 12 – 1 p.m. CAPS Board Members and Staff will be in attendance to listen to you about what’s happening in your workplace. … Read more

January 23, 2020 Update

Worksite Meeting Scheduled at CalEPA Building. A worksite meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2020, in the Byron Sher Auditorium at the CalEPA Building in Sacramento (1001 I Street, Sacramento) from 12 – 1 p.m. CAPS Board Members and Staff will be in attendance to listen to you about what’s happening in your workplace. … Read more

January 23, 2020

Supervisors, Managers, and the CAPS MOU. There’s a reason CalHR refers to supervisory and managerial classifications as “excluded.” It’s because certain supervisory, managerial, and confidential state employees, among others, are excluded from the Ralph C. Dills Act, which gave collective bargaining rights to California State Employees. Instead, supervisory and managerial classifications (through the organizations that … Read more

January 15, 2020 Update

Next Monday is a Holiday. Monday, January 20, 2020 is a state-observed holiday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. CalHR Manual, Section 2109 entitles State Scientists to several state-observed holidays with pay, in addition to any official State holidays declared by the Governor. Additionally, every full- and part-time employee receives one personal holiday each fiscal year. It’s the … Read more

January 15, 2020

Next Monday is a Holiday. Monday, January 20, 2020 is a state-observed holiday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. CalHR Manual, Section 2109 entitles State Scientists to several state-observed holidays with pay, in addition to any official State holidays declared by the Governor. Additionally, every full- and part-time employee receives one personal holiday … Read more

January 8, 2020 Update

Bargaining Team Gets Back to Work. CAPS’ Bargaining Team met last month to set the stage for upcoming negotiations by learning about CAPS history and the history of the Dills Act – the law governing state employee collective bargaining – as well as to train in various negotiation strategies. The Team also met with CAPS’ … Read more

January 8, 2020

Supervisors’ Right to Membership. When supervisors are first hired to Supervisory and Managerial positions, they are sometimes told, or erroneously believe, that they can no longer be a member of ANY union, let alone retain their membership in CAPS. Membership in CAPS is just as important for Supervisors and Managers as it is for the … Read more

December 18, 2019 Update

CAPS wishes you and yours a happy holiday season! CAPS is an independent, member-run union, created by State Scientists for State Scientists 35 years ago. At the time, State Scientists were part of a larger conglomerate union that represented many varied professions, and State Scientists felt their unique workplace needs were not being adequately heard. … Read more

December 11, 2019 Update

Know Your Committees. There are 15 standing and ad-hoc CAPS Committees that work to carry out CAPS’ mission. CAPS Bylaws require the establishment of certain committees, while others are born of necessity to address specific issues. Descriptions for all of CAPS’ Committees and their responsibilities can be found within either the CAPS Bylaws or the … Read more

December 4, 2019 Update

Know Your Committees. There are 15 standing and ad-hoc CAPS Committees that work to carry out CAPS’ mission. CAPS Bylaws require the establishment of certain committees, while others are born of necessity to address specific issues. Descriptions for all of CAPS’ Committees and their responsibilities can be found within either the CAPS Bylaws or the … Read more

November 27, 2019 Update

Know Your Committees. There are 15 standing and ad-hoc CAPS Committees that work to carry out CAPS’ mission. CAPS Bylaws require the establishment of certain committees, while others are born of necessity to address specific issues. Descriptions for all of CAPS’ Committees and their responsibilities can be found within either the CAPS Bylaws or the … Read more

November 20, 2019 Update

Know Your Committees. There are 15 standing and ad-hoc CAPS Committees that work to carry out CAPS’ mission. CAPS Bylaws require the establishment of certain committees, while others are born of necessity to address specific issues. Descriptions for all of CAPS’ Committees and their responsibilities can be found within either the CAPS Bylaws or the … Read more

November 13, 2019 Update

Know Your Committees. There are 15 standing and ad-hoc CAPS Committees that work to carry out CAPS’ mission. CAPS Bylaws require the establishment of certain committees, while others are born of necessity to address specific issues. Descriptions for all of CAPS’ Committees and their responsibilities can be found within either the CAPS Bylaws or the … Read more

November 6, 2019 Update

The quarterly CAPS Board of Directors’ Meeting was held last Saturday, November 2, 2019. Motions and notable items undertaken by the Board of Directors included: Approving of the Minutes of the August 24, 2019 Board Meeting. Appointing the CAPS Bargaining Committee (which is responsible for bargaining with the Administration on the Unit 10 MOU), consisting … Read more

October 30, 2019 Update

Board of Directors’ Meeting. The next Board of Directors’ meeting (the inaugural meeting of the 2019-2021 Board of Directors) is scheduled for this Saturday, November 2, 2019, at the Holiday Inn Sacramento, Downtown-Arena, River City View Room (300 J Street, 16th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814), commencing at 9 a.m. All members are welcome to attend; parking … Read more

October 23, 2019 Update

Board of Directors’ Meeting. The next Board of Directors’ meeting (the inaugural meeting of the 2019-2021 Board of Directors) is scheduled for Saturday, November 2, 2019, at the Holiday Inn Sacramento, Downtown-Arena (300 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814), commencing at 9 a.m. All members are welcome to attend; parking will be validated. The Draft Agenda … Read more

October 16, 2019 Update

Elections Results Posted! The ballot count for the 2019-2021 CAPS Board of Directors was completed yesterday, October 15, 2019. The official and detailed results as verified by the CAPS Elections Committee and MK Elections can be viewed here. Here is the complete list of CAPS Officers and Directors elected for the 2019-2021 term: President:  Margarita … Read more

October 9, 2019 Update

CAPS Member Needs Your Help! Department of Fish and Wildlife Environmental Scientist and CAPS Member Dana McCanne has requested catastrophic leave donations in order to continue receiving pay and benefits.  Section 3.10 of the CAPS MOU allows transfer of leave credits as catastrophic leave: CTO, Personal Leave, Annual Leave, Vacation, Personal Day, and/or Holiday Credit. … Read more

October 3, 2019 Update

Healthcare Open Enrollment Ends THIS FRIDAY. The CalPERS Annual Health Care Open Enrollment Period for the 2020 calendar year commenced September 9th and ends this Friday, October 4, 2019. During this time, State Scientists (and all CalPERS members) may enroll in or switch their CalPERS Health Plan, add eligible dependents, or delete dependents. All changes made during Open … Read more

September 25, 2019 Update

History of CAPS. You hear it about CAPS regularly, “a union created by State Scientists for State Scientists,” but what does that really mean? CAPS was established in 1984 by State Scientists who wanted to ensure that their voice was not lost among the cacophony of other units who were also represented by the same … Read more

September 18, 2019 Update

CAPS Is Going Social! Instagram is more than just a way to get jealous about your friend’s vacation photos.  It’s a way to connect with people, organizations, and causes bigger than the individual. Just think about the massive amounts of new things you’ve likely discovered on Instagram through social media ads or friends tagging brands … Read more

September 11, 2019 Update

Ballots are Mailed NEXT Friday — Update your Address by THIS Friday, September 13, in order to ensure that your ballot is received ON TIME. The 2019-2021 CAPS Board of Directors Election is currently underway. Nominating Petitions were submitted in July, Candidate Statements were submitted in August and this month, YOU will receive a ballot! … Read more

September 4, 2019 Update

CalPERS Health Plan Open Enrollment, Plan Premiums and How They Affect YOU! The CalPERS annual health care Open Enrollment period for the 2020 calendar year will commence September 9 and ends October 4, 2019.  During this time, State Scientists (and all CalPERS members) may enroll in or switch their CalPERS health plan, add eligible dependents, … Read more

August 29, 2019 Update

The quarterly CAPS Board of Directors’ Meeting was held last Saturday, August 24, 2019. Motions undertaken by the Board of Directors included: Approving of the Minutes of the May 18, 2019 Board Meeting. Approving CAPS’ endorsement of 69 incumbents seeking reelection, and one open seat candidate for the 2020 election, the list can be found … Read more

August 21, 2019 Update

Bargaining Team Working For You. Your CAPS Bargaining Team met last week to strategize and create guiding documents for the next Bargaining Team. Bargaining for the next CAPS MOU will begin with the “Sunshine” Process in January 2020. Other topics discussed included two side letters that if added to the current MOU will clarify some … Read more

August 14, 2019 Update

Know Your Rights. Travel Reimbursement. CAPS MOU, Section 6.1 allows State Scientists to be reimbursed for “for actual, necessary, and appropriate business and travel expenses in accordance with CalHR rules and Online HR Manual sections 2201 (Travel and Relocation Policy), 2202 (Mileage Reimbursement), and 2203 (Allowances and Travel Reimbursements).” These policies allow for State Scientists … Read more

August 7, 2019 Update

CAPS Member Needs Your Help! Department of Public Health Senior Health Physicist and CAPS Board Member James Thomas has requested catastrophic leave donations in order to continue receiving pay and benefits.  Section 3.10 of the CAPS MOU allows transfer of leave credits as catastrophic leave: CTO, Personal Leave, Annual Leave, Vacation, Personal Day, and/or Holiday … Read more