NEWS

ACSS Quarterly: Arriving soon!

Keep an eye on your mailbox for the newest edition of ACSS Quarterly, featuring articles on the General Election, political action, and more!

In the meantime, feel free to browse through last quarter's issue on our news page.

Prop. 32 on the ropes

According to a new poll by the Public Policy Institute of California, some 53% of likely voters are joining ACSS and dozens of other organizations in voting NO on Prop. 32, the Special Exemptions Act.

As we approach the election, however, it is likely that our opposition - the folks who want to silence your voice in the Capitol and let corporations funnel massive amounts of money into politics - will renew their attacks.

Keep on spreading the word to your friends and family about voting NO on this poorly disguised anti-working class power grab.

Visit our Advocacy page for more information on Prop. 32

Prison healthcare back in State control by 2014

J. Clark Kelso, the federally appointed overseer of California's prison healthcare system, has stated that the State is on track to resume full control over operations by 2014.

Though the process of returning control to the State has just begun, Kelso has claimed he is already reducing his staff in preparation for his withdrawal.

Prior to his full withdrawal, Kelso will need to negotiate with the State to determine standards for measuring inmate care and how helathcare administration will be structured.

As always, your ACSS is committed to working with the State to ensure that your rights are not violated as the receivership comes to an end.

ACSS secures large settlement for CHP supervisors

Your ACSS Labor Relations team recently won a key settlement for CHP supervisors that were forced to work "on-call" without compensation dating back to 2010.

After two Public Safety Dispatch Supervisors II approached ACSS regarding CHP's practice of forcing them to work on-call without pay, ACSS filed a grievance with CHP.

The resulting settlement awarded the two supervisors six hundred hours each of compensatory time off, 360 of which will be in cash compensation as the maximum CTO amount permitted is 240 hours.

This settlement is just one example of the representation benefits that ACSS members enjoy. As always, we are dedicated to improving your career by ensuring that you are treated fairly and equitably.

Have a sneaking suspicion that your rights are being violated? Are you forced to work out of class or without pay? Contact your regional ACSS Labor Relations Representative today and find out if you're entitled to compensation.

Ready to vote? See our Advocacy page for more info

Need more information on the issues that will affect your career in the General Election?

Check out our Advocacy page to see ACSS' official stance on key ballot measures and candidates.

Californians feel pension reform went too far

1 in 5 Californians feels that the Legislature's newly implemented cuts to state employee pensions "went too far", according to a new poll.

The poll, conducted by the University of Southern California and the L.A. Times, saw about 33% of respondents state that this round of pension attacks was "a good balance".

Gov. Brown claimed that the drastic cuts to the pension system, including raising the retirement age and employees' contribution rates, were not enough, and he has pledged to renew his assault on your modest benefits.

Prop. 30 campaign rolls out new commercials

The campaign for Gov. Brown's proposed revenue increases - Prop. 30 - has released a series of new campaign ads.

The ads, several of which feature State Controller John Chiang, primarily highlight the accountability of the revenue boosts.

ACSS is urging all state supervisors and managers to vote YES on Prop. 30 not only to prevent some $6 billion in cuts, but to avoid further layoffs and reductions in benefits.

Take a look at the embedded video below to see the first of the YES on 30 ads, or find more in this Sac Bee article.

FAQs about CDCR's Cell Phone Blocker

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) plans to implement a Managed Access System (MAS) at Avenal State Prison on or about October 1, 2012. According to CDCR, an MAS is "a system which deploys a secure cellular umbrella over a specified area generally within the bounds of a facility, to either permit or interfere with transmissions from mobile wireless devices."

The MAS test phase at ASP will run from approximately October 1st through October 15th. At the end of the test phase, ASP will go live with MAS. CDCR eventually will be implementing the MAS at all institutions statewide.

On September 25, 2012, ACSS conducted a meet and confer with CDCR Labor Relations staff and MAS subject matter experts to ensure that your career will remain productive and protected.

Click through to read more about the MAS and how it will be implemented.

Prop 32 a "naked power grab"

In a joint legislative informational hearing today on Prop. 32 - the Special Exemptions Act - Assemblymember Sandre Swanson (D-Oakland) stated "I haven't seen anything about this measure yet that indicates it's anything but an attempt to gain political advantage."

Proponents of the measure say it will give the average voter more power, but what's the reality?

Make no mistake:

If Prop. 32 passes, corporate interests and the ultra-wealthy will have unprecedented control over California politics.

Read more about the measure that Senator Ted Lieu calls "a naked power grab" after the jump.

Worried about pension changes? Contact us

Your ACSS is preparing to meet with CalHR regarding AB 340 (the controversial new pension legislation), its implementation, and how it will affect you.

Prior to our meeting we need to hear from you to make sure your voice is heard.

Send any questions or concerns that you may have re: Gov. Brown's pension reform plan to ACSS Senior Labor Relations Representative Nellie Lynn