NEWS

ACSS Met With CalHR in a Positive Meeting to Address Issues

On September 6th, ACSS met with CalHR Director Richard Gillihan to discuss salary compaction and address other issues that affect excluded state employees. ACSS President Frank Ruffino, ACSS Executive Director Rocco Paternoster, and ACSS Assistant Director of Representation Nellie Lynn attended the meeting and agreed it was both positive and productive.

Ruffino commented, “Never before have we seen such cooperation and mutual respect between CalHR and the ACSS leadership team. This was an opportunity for great dialog which I envision will translate into positive results for ACSS members. I am optimistic for the path ahead.”

ACSS voiced concerns on behalf of members in response to our previously reported article on Pay Letter 17-18. In response to that article, members voiced their concerns to us about their specific classification not receiving a Special Salary Adjustment (SSA) similar to their subordinates. After the meeting on September 6th, ACSS and CalHR are closer to reaching some resolutions to provide additional SSAs. We intend to deliver the details to you as soon as we learn more information.

Another issue discussed with CalHR was the implementation of Out-of-State Health Care Benefits for excluded employees. CalHR decided to pass on this benefit to excluded employees based on the efforts of ACSS. The program provides for a monetary benefit for excluded employees headquartered out-of-state who cannot enroll in a CalPERS HMO. More news on this topic is coming soon.

ACSS and CalHR also addressed remaining salary compaction solutions as part of the future pay package and the budget cycle of 2018-2019.The discussion was also very positive and we hope to continue building on these discussions to ensure fair standards for all excluded employees. Progress has been made towards reaching resolutions and we will continue to move forward with our goal of having all excluded employee receive fair and equitable salary and benefits.

CalPERS Benefits Education Event in Garden Grove - Sept 15 &16

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) is hosting a two-day CalPERS Benefits Education Event (CBEE) in Garden Grove this month to inform members about programs and benefits available to them. This event will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Orange County on September 15th and 16th, 2017. The same program is offered on each day, so attendees can select the day they wish to attend. 

Whether new to CalPERS, in mid-career, or close to retirement, CBEEs offer all CalPERS members a wealth of information about their retirement and health benefits, supplemental savings plans, long-term care coverage, and more. Representatives from CalPERS Regional Offices will be on hand to answer questions.

Open both Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event features breakout sessions specific to both early through mid-career members, and those nearing retirement. Topics to be covered include CalPERS retirement benefits, CalPERS health benefits, and deferred compensation.

For more information and to register for this event, click here.  

ACSS Endorses David Miller for CalPERS Board

CalPERS election ballots will be mailed out soon. ACSS encourages you to support David Miller for CalPERS Board Member At Large, Position A. Miller is committed to putting the interests of CalPERS members first. Miller has spent 25 years as a union member, union leader and a founder of Californians for Retirement Security, the broad coalition formed in 2005 to fight against non-stop attacks on public employees and our pensions. With integrity and commitment, Miller will stand up to ensure the system is always there to provide retirement security for each and every employee and retiree. Click here to learn more about David Miller and to join his campaign.

ACSS President Frank Ruffino comments, "The Association of CA State Supervisors is pleased to give our strong support to David Miller and his campaign for CalPERS at-Large, Position A. David is deeply knowledgeable about the issues impacting CalPERS members and he will be a champion for protecting and defending our defined benefit pensions and affordable health care. We are confident he'll serve our members well."

Ballots go out from CalPERS on September 1 and voting ends October 2, 2017. ACSS urges you to support and vote for Miller during this time.

Salary Increase for Some Excluded Employees Associated With Bargaining Unit 07

On August 11, 2017, CalHR release Pay Letter 17-22 that affects some Managers and Supervisors associated with Bargaining Unit 7. Pay Letter 17-22 provides information for a 10 percent Special Salary Increase (SSA) for California State Fire Marshall Division Chiefs (class code 8966) and Deputy State Fire Marshall III (class code 9010) classes. This SSA is effective as of July 1, 2017.

Check out the Third Quarter ACSS Newsletter - Member Spotlight and President's Corner

In case you missed it, check out the ACSS Quarterly Newsletter publication for July - September 2017.  The Q3 features a spotlight on ACSS member Manijeh Fatollahi who stepped up to lead Chapter 512 for over a decade. Also in this edition, check out the President's Corner where ACSS President Frank Ruffino urges members to make a difference, take action and become an Agent of Change as an ACSS Chapter Officer. 

Click here to read past issues of the ACSS Quarterly Newsletter publication.

Work Schedule Policies Are Now Online

On July 25, 2017, CalHR announced that Work Schedule Policies are now posted and updated online. The new Online Human Resources Manual, Section 1501 provides detailed information for Work Week Group E employees (salary employees exempt from the FLSA). CalHR also posted details for Section 1503 for Work Week Group 2 employees (hourly employees covered by FLSA) or employees on an alternate work week schedule. If you are not sure of the WWG for your classification, contact your Department’s Human Resources Department.

Salary Compaction Victory for Correctional Education Supervisors and Other Special Salary Adjustments for Excluded Employees

On July 11, 2017, CalHR released Pay Letter 17-18 which clarifies details on the General Salary Increases (GSIs) for excluded employees, effective July 1, 2017. The Pay Letter also provides more information on Special Salary Increases (SSAs) for certain classifications.

Because of ACSS’ tireless efforts with CalHR and CDCR, we have accomplished a huge milestone by alleviating salary compaction for CDCR Office of Correctional Education Supervisors. In 2015, ACSS reported that we proposed to remedy one of the most egregious cases of salary compaction where the Correctional Education Supervisors were making 13 % less than those they supervised. We are thrilled to report that Pay Letter 17-18 (pages 41-42) officially provides an 8% – 17% special salary increase, to bring those classifications up to a 5% pay differential above the employees they supervise. ACSS continues to strive for a 10% differential for all excluded employees. However, we are extremely pleased that ACSS’s diligence has helped these classes attain some resolution.

The Special Salary Adjustments for excluded employees start on page 39 and include specific classifications in S01, M01, S03, M03, S08, M08, S12, U12, S13, M16, S16, U16, and S17. CalHR’s criteria to pass on the SSA is to follow the administration’s directive to establish and maintain a 5% pay differential. Notable and positive points from the Pay Letter are as follows:

• M07 & S07 – ACSS reported two months ago that managers and supervisors who supervise investigators in DCA and DOI would receive additional compensation. Pay Letter 17-18 (pages 25-26) officially states the specific amounts of SSAs for Supervising Fraud Investigators of the Department of Insurance and Department of Consumer Affairs to bring the pay differential up to 5% above employees they supervise.
  
  
• BU 10 – On pages 27-28, this pay letter clarifies the GSI amounts for excluded employees associated with Bargaining Unit 10. Specific classifications are listed that detail whether a 2% or a 5% GSI will be given for each classification.
  
  
• S12 – includes SSAs for the CDCR Correctional Plant Supervisor, Correction Plant Manager I and II, Plumber Supervisor, Caltrans Highway Mechanics Supervisor, Mobile Equipment Superintendent I, and Telecommunications Maintenance Supervisor I, II, and III. (See pages 43-44)

Pay Letter 17-18 also includes additional clarification on the General Salary Increases effective July 1, 2017, for Excluded Employees Associated with Bargaining Units 01, 02, 03, 06, 07, 09, 10, 12, 13, 16, 18, 17, 19 and CBID E and U classes.

ACSS will continue in our efforts to advocate on behalf of our members for fair and equitable salary and benefits.

CalPERS Benefits Education Event in Santa Clara, July 21 & 22

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) is hosting a two-day CalPERS Benefits Education Event (CBEE) in Santa Clara this month to inform members about programs and benefits available to them. This event will take place at the Santa Clara Marriott on Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, 2017. The same program is offered on each day, so attendees can select the day they wish to attend.

Whether new to CalPERS, in mid-career, or close to retirement, CBEEs offer all CalPERS members a wealth of information about their retirement and health benefits, supplemental savings plans, long-term care coverage, and more. Representatives from CalPERS Regional Offices will be on hand to answer questions.

Open both Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event features breakout sessions specific to both early through mid-career members, and those nearing retirement. Topics to be covered include CalPERS retirement benefits, CalPERS health benefits, and deferred compensation.

For more information and to register for this event, visit https://www.calpers.ca.gov/page/education-center/member-education/benefits-education-events.

Excluded Employees Receive Salary Increases Effective July 1, 2017

Late yesterday, CalHR released a Human Resource Manual Update* that provides information about raises for excluded employees. As per our previous news post back in October 2016, excluded employees will receive a General Salary Increase (GSI) effective July 1, 2017, based on the bargaining unit they are affiliated. See the chart below for details:

EXCLUDED EMPLOYEES AFFILIATED WITH BARGAINING UNIT:	GSI
1, 3, 4, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, - SEIU	4%
2	5%
6	3%
7	3%
9	2%
10	2% or 5%
12	4%
13	3%
16	2%
18	3%
19	4%

 

Salary increases for excluded employees affiliated with Bargaining Unit 5 (Highway Patrol) and Bargaining Unit 8 (Firefighters) will be addressed in future pay letters.

Effective July 1, 2017, most Managerial, Supervisory, and Confidential employees designated E48, E68, E78, E79, E97, E98, and E99 will receive a GSI of four percent (4%).

Exceptions to the salary increases above will be identified in pay letters that will be released in the following weeks.

In addition to the GSI, Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) prefunding will begin. Click here for more information on OPEB for each bargaining unit.

ACSS continues to work hard on your behalf to attain pay parity and fair compensation for all excluded employees. As always, we will provide you with further updates as we receive additional news from CalHR.

*The PML Process has been replaced by the CalHR Human Resources Manual online.

Do the Impending Board of Equalization changes affect you?

Effective July 1, 2017 Assembly Bill 102 will go into effect to create the new California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and the new Office of Tax Appeals (OTA), dismantling the existing Board of Equalization (BOE). On June 15, 2017, AB 102 passed and was quickly set into motion. The bill basically splits the BOE into three parts:

1. The CDTFA will take over administrating sales tax, business tax, and fee programs such as tobacco and cannabis sales.
2. The OTA will be composed of Administrative Law Judges and will act as California’s tax court, overseeing hearings on tax appeals.
3. The remaining BOE will focus on overseeing property tax, utility tax and taxes on insurers.

This process strips BOE of all of its power. BOE recently underwent a rigorous audit which revealed corruption and inappropriate business practices, creating a climate of fear among state workers. AB 102, endorsed by Jerry Brown, State Controller Betty Yee, BOE Board Member Fiona Ma, Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, promises to create a better system to deal with issues appropriately and to ensure that taxes are fairly collected and managed across the state.

Click here for an FAQ guide on this issue.

According to the Sac Bee, “about 90 percent of BOE’s 4,800 employees are expected to move to the new departments where they will continue to do the same jobs under different leadership.” ACSS will be meeting with CalHR on June 29th, 2017, to discuss the impact on excluded employees. If you have questions or concerns that you would like ACSS to discuss with CalHR on your behalf in regards to this matter, please contact Nellie Lynn, ACSS Assistant Director of Representation, at nlynn@acss.org.