Know Your Rights. Nonstandard Work Schedules for WWG E/SE. Most Supervisory and Managerial CAPS Members are Work Week Group E (or FLSA-exempt) and do not earn overtime compensation. Members who are in Work Week Group E are still eligible for a “nonstandard work schedule” if there is mutual agreement between the State Scientist and their management. CalHR Manual, Section 1501 describes possible nonstandard work schedules. These schedules allow for extended hours of service to the public and other state agencies; improved morale and job satisfaction; and decreased short-term absenteeism. Working remotely does not negate a member’s ability to make such a request, or limit a department’s ability to approve an alternative work schedule. If you would like to request an alternate work schedule, contact your personnel specialist. If you believe you are unreasonably denied, contact CAPS (caps@capsscientists.org).
Open Enrollment Begins September 21. The open enrollment period to make changes to your CalPERS health plan begins on September 21 and ends on October 16, 2020. The August issue of the CAPSule includes new health plan premiums and the amount each Unit 10 employee can expect to pay out-of-pocket to participate in the available plans next year. During the Open Enrollment period, eligible employees may enroll in, cancel, or change health, dental, and vision plans; add or delete dependents; enroll (or re-enroll) in a FlexElect program; or enroll in a cash option in lieu of health and/or dental coverage if you have other qualifying health coverage.
Member Benefits: CAPS Grants. One perk of CAPS membership is the opportunity to secure one of four $400 professional development grants, quarterly. CAPS awards four professional development grants of $400 each quarter to qualifying CAPS members. Recipients are chosen in January, April, July and October and applications should be submitted before these months in order to be eligible for the next selection. Grant recipients are chosen by the Benefits Committee. Due to government mandates intended to limit the spread of COVID-19, CAPS strongly advises members to avoid in-person meetings and conferences. The CAPS Member Benefits Committee is not considering Professional Grant applications to facilitate attending scheduled in-person meetings or conferences at this time. Such events are unsafe and will likely be cancelled or postponed indefinitely. However, the Committee will continue considering all other grant applications and encourages members to apply. To be considered for the October award, submit your application before October 1.
News Briefs.
California lawmakers approve ban on popular rat poison that can kill mountain lions – A bill that seeks to protect mountain lions and other wildlife from being poisoned by a popular form of pesticide awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature. On August 31, the California Legislature approved Assembly Bill 1788, which bans, with few exceptions, the use of what are known as “second generation anticoagulant rodenticides” until state regulators develop standards to ensure the chemicals do not harm wildlife.
Election 2020: Meet the candidates for 2 wards up for grabs in Eureka – CAPS Board Member Scott Bauer explains why he is among five candidates running for the Ward 4 open seat on the Eureka City Council. CAPS has formally endorsed Bauer’s candidacy.
DEA: Someone Smuggled Marijuana ‘Crude Oil’ From Mexico Into California-Judge Orders State To Tell Feds Who – A federal judge last week ordered California state cannabis regulators to turn over to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration records related to an alleged international marijuana-oil trafficking scheme, according to court records.