A

CAPS fights to improve and protect the rights and employment conditions of ALL scientific classes -- in the Legislature, the courts, in meet and confer sessions with the state, before boards and commissions, the media, and every other available forum.

Individual and Group Representation - Supervisors are not immune from adverse action. It happens all the time. 

CAPS also provides individual representation for many employment related problems. Your membership dues ensure that you will receive professional representation from a seasoned CAPS consultant or attorney.

CAPS represents, through its Supervisory Committee, the interests of all supervisors on issues that affect their working conditions. Membership also affords supervisors an opportunity for input on statewide and departmental issues affecting supervisors. 

CAPS provides all members $5,000 term life insurance and $100,000 AD&D insurance with double indemnity coverage for common carrier transportation as a benefit of membership at no additional cost. In addition, CAPS members can participate in low-cost group supplemental term life, accidental death and dismemberment, discounted auto and homeowner insurance programs, and many other consumer discounts.

Membership allows supervisors to run for the CAPS Supervisory Director Board position. Membership also provides the opportunity to vote in elections for Executive Officers and the Supervisory Director who determine CAPS' positions. Read more about membership benefits here.

A

Yes.  The CAPS Supervisors' Committee leads in efforts to improve salary, benefits and working conditions for all state scientific supervisors.  The CAPS Supervisory Committee proposes salary increases and benefit improvements separate from those proposed for rank and file employees. CAPS' salary proposal is based on the results of salary surveys. Supervisors receive some benefits not enjoyed by rank & file, such as the one-hour additional vacation or annual leave credit per month, $25,000 life insurance policy paid for by the state, and enhanced dental benefits.   

A

State law requires the state to meet and confer with the supervisory employee's representative upon request. The meet and confer process for supervisors is somewhat different than for rank and file employees.  The law only requires the state to consider the input by the supervisory employee organization. For supervisors, state law does not require the state reaching an agreement or signing a contract before a proposal is implemented by the state. 

A

CAPS is currently working to get AB 1186 (Horton) passed to establish the Supervisors' Pay Commission.  Also, CAPS proposed a raise in CAPS supervisors' salaries by 10% based upon the CAPS Salary Survey.

CAPS has also proposed the alternative of allowing supervisors direct excess leave time to their 401(k) or 457 account.  CAPS will work to ensure the health and retirement benefits programs are maintained.

A

Effective January 1, 2005 the state is scheduled to contribute $328 for one party, $643 for 2 party, and $836 for three party towards health, dental and vision care premiums.

A

CAPS' legislative advocates are one of the top firms in Sacramento, Aaron Read & Associates. Their role is to assist CAPS in sponsoring legislation that protects and advances supervisory issues.  During the past two years, CAPS has made efforts legislatively to ensure competitive pay and benefits increases are implemented for supervisory scientists.  CAPS has been involved in the Supervisor Task Force (AB 2477) and now is a co-sponsor of AB 1186 (Horton) which would establish a Supervisors' Pay Commission.

A

There are 12 Board members:  President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, five Regional Directors, two Directors At-Large, and one Supervisory Director.  

CAPS' staff is located in three offices, Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The staff includes dedicated, experienced labor relations professionals, negotiators, attorneys and clerical support. 

A

Supervisors who are members of CAPS are represented in adverse action appeals. Adverse actions can be taken for alleged sub-standard performance, misconduct, insubordination, inappropriate use of state equipment, and many other reasons. At times, appeals are very complex and require significant preparation. CAPS' representation is provided (as determined necessary and appropriate by CAPS) as a benefit of membership as part of dues -- at no additional charge. When compared to the cost of hiring outside counsel, benefits of membership far outweigh not being a member.

In a case that lasted for over one year, a CAPS lawyer successfully restored a supervisor from a wrongful demotion.  Legal fees in the case would have been a nearly impossible burden for the supervisor to pay.  Due to his CAPS membership, CAPS paid all legal fees. 

A

Does the CAPS Supervisory Committee work with other supervisory groups to address common issues and concerns? 

Yes.  In 2000 the Coalition of Excluded Employee Organization was formed to work cooperatively with other supervisory groups.  The group has met with DPA regarding common issues, and has worked cooperatively on legislation.