Tentative Agreement Reached on Labor Contract
for State Scientists
March 17, 2011 

After several days of lengthy and intensive negotiations, earlier this afternoon the CAPS Bargaining Team reached tentative agreement with negotiators from Governor Brown’s Department of Personnel Administration on a new labor contract.  Major elements of the agreement are as follows:
  • Mandatory three day per month furloughs end this month, March. 
  • Next month, April, a Personal Leave Program begins and lasts for 12 months: one day of unpaid leave per month.  (Members may voluntarily hasten scheduling of Personal Leave days starting July 2011.)
  • A three percent increase to the top step of all Unit 10 salary ranges will be effective July 1, 2013. 
  • Starting April 1, the retirement contribution for scientists in the “miscellaneous” category will increase from 5% to 8% of salary.  The contribution for the few scientists in the “safety” category will increase from 6% to 9% of salary.
  • Current health and retirement benefit programs will continue, including the corresponding employer contribution formulas, for current and future state scientists.
  • The agreement protects against payment of minimum wage in the event of an untimely state budget.
  • Two professional development days annually will replace the Columbus and Lincoln’s birthday holidays.  CAPS will continue to pursue its compensation claim for past holidays taken illegally.
 
This tentative agreement now goes to the CAPS membership and the Legislature for ratification.  Its terms require ratification by CAPS in order for the agreement to become effective on April 1.  A majority of CAPS members voting will determine the outcome.  A company which specializes in union elections will be used to conduct this election.  Ratification by the California Legislature is also required, and will commence concurrently.
 
This agreement doesn’t close the salary gap between state scientists and those we are measured against.  For that reason, the CAPS Bargaining Team recommends that you cast your vote based on your own circumstances and inclination.    However, the CAPS Team is convinced that these are the best terms that can be achieved now and for the foreseeable future given the sizeable budget deficit and the difficult political situation in Sacramento.  This tentative agreement also helps shield valuable retirement and other benefit programs from attack during its term.
 
Online copies of the individual tentative agreements can be viewed here:    http://www.capsscientists.org/Bargaining/Bargaining_Proposals.htm 
 
Questions and answers about this tentative agreement can be viewed here:  http://www.capsscientists.org/Bargaining/Q_A.htm 
 
CAPS will soon set an abbreviated list of worksite meetings where Bargaining Team members and staff will explain the agreement and answer questions.
 
Your CAPS Bargaining Team deeply appreciates the patience and support it has received over the many months and years that have been required to reach this tentative agreement.