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 rumors and complaints from members but tied them to the buildings from which they were reported.
Additionally, CAPS reminded departments of the union’s expectation and right to be provided with any and all reopening or return-to-office plans with a minimum of 30-days’ notice prior to their implementation. As of this notice, the California Energy Commission (CEC), and the Department of Parks & Recreation (State Parks) have assured CAPS that they currently have no plans to reopen, while the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) have assured CAPS of their intent to notice their plans for reopening, within the required timeline.
The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) submitted their reopening plan to CAPS, and the union has since submitted comments about the plan and reserves the right to Meet-and-Confer before its implementation.
If you have concerns about your department’s reopening plans and/or other health and safety issues, contact CAPS (caps@capsscientists.org).
Recruit a New Member, Earn a Recruitment Incentive. CAPS now offers a $50 incentive for recruiting new members, whether they are Rank-and-File, Supervisory or Managerial State Scientists. The online membership application form can be located on the CAPS website at http://capsscientists.org/application. It only takes a few minutes to sign up. Make sure the applicant fills in the “referred by” field to receive your bonus!
News Briefs.
California state firefighters accept 7.5% pay cut in deal with Newsom administration – California state firefighters are taking a 7.5% pay cut in exchange for two flexible days off every month under a one-year agreement with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration.
State cuts pay for California Highway Patrol officers despite contract protections – California Highway Patrol officers are taking a pay cut along with the rest of the state’s workforce despite special protections that were in their contract. Highway Patrol officers’ base pay will be reduced by 4.62%, the equivalent of one day of work per month, under the agreement the California Association of Highway Patrolmen reached with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s bargaining team. In exchange, officers will receive 9 hours of flexible time off under a personal leave program. The officers were able to take a base pay cut equivalent to one day of work instead of two – the standard for most state workers – due to a quirk of their retirement health care contributions.
Deadly rabbit virus spreads from Riverside County to other Southern California areas – A deadly virus targeting domestic and wild rabbits that was detected in Palm Springs in May has now spread to San Bernardino, Orange, and San Diego counties, state wildlife officials confirmed. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) had shown up in Mexico, and in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas before it was found in a black-tailed jackrabbit carcass submitted from private property near Palm Springs two months ago.