CAPS Members Ratify MOU
April 6, 2011

In ballots counted earlier this afternoon, CAPS members have RATIFIED the CAPS tentative agreement with the Department of Personnel Administration by a wide margin.  Out of 1038 valid ballots cast, 923 (or 89%) voted FOR ratification, and 115 (or 11%) voted AGAINST.  The entire balloting process was conducted by TruBallot, a company that specializes in conducting union elections.

This contract ends mandatory monthly furloughs, includes flexibility for those who want to structure their PLP leave, protects state contribution formulas for retirement, health and dental benefits, and ensures full, on-time paychecks, among other things.

Thanks to everyone who cast a ballot.

This MOU isn't effective unless and until the state legislature approves it on a 2/3 vote and Governor Brown signs it.  While the Governor's signature is virtually assured, state legislative approval isn't.  That ratification process starts next Monday, April 11, when the MOU ratification bill, SB 151 (Correa, D-Santa Ana), will be heard in the Senate Public Employment and Retirement Committee.  SB 151 includes the CAPS MOU and those of the other five bargaining units which also recently reached tentative agreement with the Brown Administration.  CAPS legislative advocates are working in coordination with other groups and the Brown Administration to facilitate passage of this bill. Due to its fiscal implications, SB 151 requires 2/3 support in both houses, and that means ALL Democrats and at least TWO Republicans in both the Senate and Assembly.  There is no known opposition to the bill.  That could change in light of the highly charged political atmosphere in Sacramento.