Big Win for DFG Biologists
Last week, the CAPS Bargaining Team signed a Letter of
Understanding with the Department of Fish and Game that
will IMMEDIATELY transfer all DFG scientists working in
a Biologist classification to the Environmental
Scientist series. This will result in a salary increase
of approximately between 2.3% and 5% for about 230 DFG
Biologists.
This Letter of Understanding with DFG was reached after many months of negotiations and the filing of out-of-class grievances filed by CAPS. The amount of the increase for each individual Biologist will depend on the difference between the Biologist's current classification in relation to his/her equivalent position in the Environmental Scientist position. It underscores the fact that meaningful gains are possible during the term of a labor agreement. CAPS continues to work hard on other issues designed to bring badly needed relief to other segments of the CAPS membership, such as the Like Pay Like Work salary parity case.
The CAPS' Bargaining Team consists of Chairperson Patty Velez of the Office of Spill Prevention and Response in Monterey, David Miller of DTSC in Sacramento, Ryan Kinsella of DTSC in Los Angeles, John Budroe of OEHHA in Oakland and Scott Bauer of DFG in Eureka. CAPS credits this Letter of Understanding to the collaborative efforts between CAPS and the Department's management, and especially to the willingness of recently appointed DFG Director Chuck Bonham to support final resolution. See the letter here.
Election Ballots Mailed Today. The CAPS' Elections and Meetings Committee reminds all members that ballot packets are being mailed today for the CAPS Board of Directors' election. All CAPS members are encouraged to carefully review the packet and vote. Completed ballots must be returned to CAPS via US Mail by October 24. Ballots will be counted and results announced that afternoon. Balloting is being handled by TrueBallot, an independent firm that specializes in running union elections.
This Letter of Understanding with DFG was reached after many months of negotiations and the filing of out-of-class grievances filed by CAPS. The amount of the increase for each individual Biologist will depend on the difference between the Biologist's current classification in relation to his/her equivalent position in the Environmental Scientist position. It underscores the fact that meaningful gains are possible during the term of a labor agreement. CAPS continues to work hard on other issues designed to bring badly needed relief to other segments of the CAPS membership, such as the Like Pay Like Work salary parity case.
The CAPS' Bargaining Team consists of Chairperson Patty Velez of the Office of Spill Prevention and Response in Monterey, David Miller of DTSC in Sacramento, Ryan Kinsella of DTSC in Los Angeles, John Budroe of OEHHA in Oakland and Scott Bauer of DFG in Eureka. CAPS credits this Letter of Understanding to the collaborative efforts between CAPS and the Department's management, and especially to the willingness of recently appointed DFG Director Chuck Bonham to support final resolution. See the letter here.
Election Ballots Mailed Today. The CAPS' Elections and Meetings Committee reminds all members that ballot packets are being mailed today for the CAPS Board of Directors' election. All CAPS members are encouraged to carefully review the packet and vote. Completed ballots must be returned to CAPS via US Mail by October 24. Ballots will be counted and results announced that afternoon. Balloting is being handled by TrueBallot, an independent firm that specializes in running union elections.