CAPT-sponsored AB 529, Introduced by Assembly Members Ramos and Cervantes, passed its first legislative hurdle today in the Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee where the bill was approved 5-0. AB 529 would prohibit the state from mandating Psychiatric Technicians (PT) and Psychiatric Technician Assistants (PTAs) from working overtime. Currently, nurses, LVNs, psychiatric technicians (PT) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in private sector employment cannot be mandated to work overtime; unfortunately, the state government is exempt from this 2001 regulation. Download flier.

I want every CAPT member to be aware that our union solidarity has never been more critical than it is today. Well-organized, anti-union organizations are using clever rhetoric to lure public employees against their unions and to file lawsuits, which are intended to cripple the power workers yield when unionized. The Sacramento Bee recently reported nearly a dozen such lawsuits in California alone and sadly, CAPT has been mentioned in a lawsuit and must now devote union resources to fight for your rights under the Dills Act. Download flier.

I want every CAPT member to be aware that our union solidarity has never been more critical than it is today. Well-organized, anti-union organizations are using clever rhetoric to lure public employees against their unions and to file lawsuits, which are intended to cripple the power workers yield when unionized. The Sacramento Bee recently reported nearly a dozen such lawsuits in California alone and sadly, CAPT has been mentioned in a lawsuit and must now devote union resources to fight for your rights under the Dills Act. Download flier.

Attention CMC BU 18 Employees

Self-Scheduling Survey

March 21 through March 31

CAPT is conducting a survey to gain your feedback concerning the self-scheduling program that we piloted for 12 weeks at California Men’s Colony and had hoped to continue. Unfortunately, management has abruptly decided to discontinue the pilot. CAPT is not prepared to give up on the concept of self-scheduling and its benefits that we believe accomplished the goal of the 9.4 Staffing Committee by reducing mandatory overtime. The committee worked tirelessly for ten months and our first 12 weeks produced favorable results without creating any problems. Download flier.

Psych Techs ready to participate in the second round of the self-scheduling pilot at California Men’s Colony were shocked to learn just days before that the pilot was abruptly canceled by CMC prison Warden Josie Gastelo and Chief Executive Officer Teresa Macias. The unilateral decision to cut the pilot was made without CAPT’s involvement. Consequently, the CAPT Board of Directors voted to issue a “red-tag” sanction on the prison. A red-tag sanction warns potential employees about the facility’s egregious labor practices. This is the seventh time CAPT’s leadership has red-tagged a facility for egregious contract violations or bad labor practices. Download flier.

From the BVNPT

Dear Valued Stakeholder,

The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (Board) is working on developing its next strategic plan. The Department of Consumer Affairs, SOLID Planning Solutions is assisting the Board with its strategic planning process. Download flier.

As of January 1, 2019, the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians has a new fee schedule. The new schedule reduces the fees charged for the PT license and its renewal. The new licensing fee and renewal are now $220.00, dropped from $300.00. Conversely, the licensing fee and renewal for licensed vocational nurses went up from $150.00 to $220.00. Download flier.

CDCR to provide free LiveScans

The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians informed CAPT that the Department of Justice had lost some 3,300 of the BVNPT’s licensees’ fingerprint records, which are required by California Code of Regulations, Title 16, sections 2517.5 and 2575.5. Unfortunately, we do not know how many of those lost records affect our members. Nonetheless, the BVNPT will inform the affected licensees with a letter stating that they have 30 days to go get a new LiveScan. Download flier. 

DDS to reimburse Psych Techs

The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians informed CAPT that the Department of Justice had lost some 3,300 of the BVNPT’s licensees’ fingerprint records, which are required by California Code of Regulations, Title 16, sections 2517.5 and 2575.5. Unfortunately, we do not know how many of those lost records affect our members. Nonetheless, the BVNPT will inform the affected licensees with a letter stating that they have 30 days to get a new LiveScan. Download flier.

Kia Yang, a Psych Tech and doctorate student at Alliant International University, Fresno will be conducting a research studying a brief online mindfulness-based technique with psychiatric technicians.

The study will explore stress among psychiatric technicians. This study is entirely online and will consist of two parts. The initial part will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete, and the second part will take 5-10 minutes. Participants may experience benefits such as less stress and better ways of coping. Download Flier

There are just two weeks left for you to have your voice heard concerning CAPT’s upcoming contract negotiations with the State of California. Be sure to participate in our contract survey by visiting the survey link at the bottom of the page. Our contract expires this summer, which means CAPT will be heading to the bargaining table this spring to negotiate a new contract; but, before we do, make sure we hear from you.  For those of you who do not have access to the Internet, hard copies of the survey are available. Just contact your local chapter to receive a copy of the survey, fill out, and return your completed survey to your local chapter by Jan. 31.  Your feedback is critical, as it will help shape and define CAPT’s bargaining priorities. You can help your bargaining team even more by sending your survey in as soon as possible. Don’t let your voice go unheard. Please fill out your survey and stay tuned as CAPT advocates prepare and negotiate our wages, hours and other terms of employment.

www.surveymonkey.com/r/XQXQ2LM

Download flier.

The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians informed CAPT that Department of Justice had lost some 3,300 of the BVNPT’s licensees’ fingerprint records, which are required by California Code of Regulations, Title 16, sections 2517.5 and 2575.5. Unfortunately, we do not know how many of those lost records affect our members. Nonetheless, the BVNPT will inform the affected licensees with a letter stating that they have 30 days to go get a new LiveScan. Download flier.

The Southern Corrections Chapter will be holding a meeting at the CAPT Southern Regional Office and Training Center on Tuesday, January 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The regional office is located at 13085 Central Ave., #7, Chino, CA 91710.
Topics include chapter budget and contract negotiations. For more information, Download flier.

The Southern Corrections Chapter will be holding a meeting at the CAPT Southern Regional Office and Training Center on Tuesday, January 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The regional office is located at 13085 Central Ave., #7, Chino, CA 91710.
Topics include chapter budget and contract negotiations. For more information, Download flier.

The Red-Tag issued on Canyon Springs last August has been lifted. The CAPT Board of Directors voted at it’s last meeting that the Red-Tag was no longer needed after Canyon Springs made good on it’s original offer to let Psych Techs at the facility choose from one of two work schedules, 5-2 with set regular days off or the 6-2 cycle. CAPT is happy to report that the sanction was a success. The chosen 5-2 work schedule was implemented. Download flier. 

The November/December 2018 Outreach is available online. Download here. 

Contract Negotiations Survey
Jan. 1 through Jan. 31
www.surveymonkey.com/r/XQXQ2LM

It’s that time again! Our contract expires this summer, which means CAPT will be heading to the bargaining table this spring to negotiate a new contract; but, before we do, we want to hear from you. Visit our 2019 Contract Survey between Jan. 1 and Jan 31. The link is provided at the end of this page. For those of you who do not have access to the Internet, hard copies of the survey are available. Just contact your local chapter to recieve a copy of the survey, fill out, and return your completed survey to your local chapter by Jan. 31. Your feedback is critical, as it will help shape and define CAPT’s bargaining priorities. You can help your bargaining team even more by sending your survey in as soon as possible. Timely feedback supports the team’s preparation and prioritization of current issues and concerns. As your coworkers and chapter presidents, your CAPT bargaining team is personally invested in the bargaining process and will work hard to represent your voice at the table. Don’t let your voice go unheard. Please fill out your survey and stay tuned as CAPT advocates prepare and negotiate our wages, hours and other terms of employment. Download flier.

BARGAINING UNIT
18 MEMBER(S)
CURRENTLY IN NEED OF
C.L. DONATIONS

Luisa Smiley, PT-CF
Michelle Parsons, PT-CSP-Corcoran

Want to find out how many donations you’ve received? Contact your facility’s personnel department. Download flier.

The Northern Corrections Chapter will be holding a meeting at CAPT headquarters on Tuesday, December 18 and Friday, December 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CAPT headquarters is located at 1220 S Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95811. Topics include chapter budget and contract negotiations. For more information, Download flier.

BARGAINING UNIT
18 MEMBER(S)
CURRENTLY IN NEED OF
C.L. DONATIONS

Michelle Parsons,
PT-CSP-Corcoran
Risma Ndidi, PT-MSH
Jeremiah Rosenthal,
PT- CSP-Corcoran

Want to find out how many donations you’ve received? Contact your facility’s personnel department.  Download flier. 

Vote Sabrina Cervantes for Assembly District 60-Riverside. To learn more about Sabrina and our endorsement, download CAPT's mailer.  

The September/October Outreach is available online. Download here.

In Memory of Donna Kay Gross
Born March 30, 1956
San Jose, California
Died October 23, 2010
Napa, California

October 23
12:00 P.M.

Wear black ? Bring flowers

October 23 marks the eighth anniversary of the death of Donna Gross. Mother, grandmother and dedicated NSH Psychiatric Technician, Donna was brutally attacked and killed by patient Jess Massey on the NSH grounds. Massey murdered Donna as she was returning to her unit to work another shift. Donna, 54, died by asphyxiation. Pleading no contest, her assailant is serving 25 years to life at California State Prison, Corcoran.

The CAPT Napa Chapter, along with the Safety Now Coalition, invites you to join us Oct. 23 as we remember Donna and honor her living legacy, which produced safety changes at our facilities. We will gather at the NSH front entrance to lay flowers, share memories and recommit ourselves to work in Donna’s memory. Lunch will be provided.  Download flier.

BARGAINING UNIT
18 MEMBER(S)
CURRENTLY IN NEED OF
C.L. DONATIONS

Risma Ndidi, PT-MSH
Jeremiah Rosenthal, PT- CSP-Corcoran
Isatta Conteh, PT - CHCF

Want to find out how many donations you’ve received? Contact your facility’s personnel department. Download flier

Join us in a suicide prevention walk on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Join thousands of people in this nationwide event benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The AFSP has set a goal of reducing suicide 20 percent by 2025. Suicide claims nearly 40,000 American lives each year. CAPT is grateful to give its support. Coverage of CAPT’s participation will be included in the Nov/Dec Outreach. Download Flier

Join us in a suicide prevention walk on Saturday, Sept. 29.

‘Out of Darkness’

Join thousands of people in this nationwide event benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The AFSP has set a goal of reducing suicide 20 percent by 2025. Suicide claims nearly 40,000 American lives each year. CAPT is grateful to give its support. Coverage of CAPT’s participation will be included in the Nov/Dec Outreach.

Saturday, September 29
Check-in at 9:00 a.m.
Walk begins at 10:00 a.m.
Walk ends at 12:30 p.m.
State Capitol - 1315 10th Street - Sacramento, CA

Contact CAPT Consultant Carol Wiesmann at 916-329-9140.  Dowload Flier

After a few setbacks, we are moving forward with the Self-scheduling Pilot at California Men’s Colony October 1, 2018. The nine participants have selected their schedules and the self-scheduling period will run from October 1 through December 23. The Self-scheduling Pilot is the result of many months of hard work at our Joint Labor Management 9.4 Staffing Committee meetings. The goal of the committee is to comply with contract language in Article 5.1, which mandates us to reduce and eventually eliminate mandatory overtime.  Download flier.  

BU 18 Rally
September 10 | ASH Main Entrance | 1000 - 1430

Join us September 10 as we rally united in opposition of the administration’s new staffing procedures, which, starting Sept. 10, will follow licensing minimums instead of acuities. The hospital has always staffed according to acuities, which CAPT believes is a much safer staffing model for staff and patients alike. CAPT strongly argued against this action on the grounds that it would create an unsafe working environment. Furthermore, there are plenty of Psych Techs willing to work volunteer overtime so that the units are safely staffed. Despite our objections, the hospital administration plans to move forward. CAPT strongly favors Safety First and urges hospital administration to reconsider and revert back to the acuity staffing model. Join us Sept. 10 and let your voice for safety be heard!

If you would like more information, please contact the Atascadero Chapter at (805) 468-2493. Download flier.

Sacramento - September 7, 2018  - The California Association of Psychiatric Technicians:

State-employed psychiatric technicians from Bargaining Unit 18 will hold a rally Monday, Sep. 10 outside the front main entrance of Atascadero State Hospital to demonstrate the immediate need for safer staffing allocations that should prevent unnecessary health and safety violations.

The new staffing procedure, which is based on licensing minimums as opposed to an acuity-based staffing model, was to be implemented Sep. 10. The local administration and Sacramento has decided, however, to reconsider and delay implementation until further notice. We are waiting for their response. BU 18 believes minimum staffing jeopardizes the health and safety of both staff and patients. Download press release.

Psych Techs at Canyon Springs have experienced bad-faith bargaining over the facility’s scheduling practices. As a result, CAPT’s Board of Directors has voted to warn potential employees away from Canyon Springs with a formal “red-tag” sanction. The sanction warns new workers about the facility’s egregious labor practices.Canyon Springs received the sanction for reneging on its offer to allow Bargaining Unit 18 employees to choose from two schedules: a 5-2 with set regular days off or a 6-2 rotation. Download flier.

The July/August Outreach is available online. Download here.

BARGAINING UNIT 
18 MEMBER(S) 
CURRENTLY IN NEED OF 
C.L. DONATIONS

Jeremiah Rosenthal, PT - CSP-Corcoran

Download Flier

BARGAINING UNIT 
18 MEMBER(S) 
CURRENTLY IN NEED OF 
C.L. DONATIONS

Ashlee Nicole Torres, PT - CSP-Sac

Download flier

BU 18 Demands a Safe Working Environment

Safety Rally Aug. 10

PSH main entrance

1000 - 1430 

Join us August 10 as we stand united for a safe working environment. We should all leave work the same way we came in. Unfortunately, this was not the case for our dear friend and coworker who was brutally assaulted by a patient with a sharp weapon. Such an outrageous attack can neither be forgotten nor ignored. We demand adequate safeguards that will save lives. Join us in solidarity and let your voice be heard. If you have questions or would like more information, contact Patton Chapter President Sylvia Hernandez at (909) 864-1610. Download flier.

Sacramento - August 6, 2018  - The California Association of Psychiatric Technicians:

State-employed psychiatric technicians will hold a safety rally Friday, Aug. 10 outside the front main entrance of Patton State Hospital to demonstrate the immediate need to implement effective safeguards to protect employees from assaultive patients.

On July 11, a psychiatric technician was brutally assaulted by a patient with a makeshift weapon obtained from a paper towel dispenser. Holding the weapon in one hand, the patient snuck up from behind his victim, dragging her by the neck backward. The victim suffered several slashes to her face, forearms, and hands. After the victim broke free, she was immediately transported to an outside emergency medical facility. Download press release.

Remaining PTAs now have 120 days from the date of the next noticed layoff

The California Department of Human Resources has notified CAPT that the Psychiatric Technician Assistant classification has been removed from the Phase 1 of the Fairview Developmental Center facility closure layoff. According to the CalHR, removing the PTA classification from the surplus list was necessary to maintain the required level of care by ensuring an adequate staffing to client ratio. Download flier.

BARGAINING UNIT
18 MEMBER(S)
CURRENTLY IN NEED OF
C.L. DONATIONS

Isatta Conteh, PT - CHCF

Download flier.

Effective immediately, CAPT will no longer be recommending Liberty Mutual Insurance.

After several years of sponsoring the insurance company as one of our member benefits, Liberty Mutual has made drastic changes to our members’ policies. Without prior notice to CAPT, Liberty Mutual wrote to union policy holders noticing them that they had less than two weeks to seek an alternative to their convenient payroll deduction process via the State Controllers’ Office. When CAPT members contacted Liberty Mutual regarding this change, they were either told that the change was initiated by CAPT, or by “your employer” – the state of California. Neither is true. Download flier.

Effective immediately, CAPT will no longer be recommending Liberty Mutual Insurance.

After several years of sponsoring the insurance company as one of our member benefits, Liberty Mutual has made drastic changes to our members’ policies. Without prior notice to CAPT, Liberty Mutual wrote to union policy holders noticing them that they had less than two weeks to seek an alternative to their convenient payroll deduction process via the State Controllers’ Office. When CAPT members contacted Liberty Mutual regarding this change, they were either told that the change was initiated by CAPT, or by “your employer” – the state of California. Neither is true. Download flier.

Effective immediately, CAPT will no longer be recommending Liberty Mutual Insurance.

After several years of sponsoring the insurance company as one of our member benefits, Liberty Mutual has made drastic changes to our members’ policies. Without prior notice to CAPT, Liberty Mutual wrote to union policy holders noticing them that they had less than two weeks to seek an alternative to their convenient payroll deduction process via the State Controllers’ Office. When CAPT members contacted Liberty Mutual regarding this change, they were either told that the change was initiated by CAPT, or by “your employer” – the state of California. Neither is true. Download flier.

Effective immediately, CAPT will no longer be recommending Liberty Mutual Insurance.

After several years of sponsoring the insurance company as one of our member benefits, Liberty Mutual has made drastic changes to our members’ policies. Without prior notice to CAPT, Liberty Mutual wrote to union policy holders noticing them that they had less than two weeks to seek an alternative to their convenient payroll deduction process via the State Controllers’ Office. When CAPT members contacted Liberty Mutual regarding this change, they were either told that the change was initiated by CAPT, or by “your employer” – the state of California. Neither is true. Download flier.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by, last chance reminder

CAPT is still accepting applications for the 14th round of scholarships it plans to award to students enrolled in Psych Tech education programs.

CAPT will award up to 10 scholarships: eight in the amount of $750 each; two additional scholarships may be awarded to the individuals whose applications are not only accurately completed, but whose signed statements are exceptionally inspiring and whose letters of recommendations are highly supportive. One top scholar- ship may be awarded in the amount of $1,500 and one runner-up award in the amount of $1,000.For applications to be considered, they must be post- marked no later than July 13, 2018. The scholarship winners will be announced at CAPT’s 34th Annual Meeting, scheduled in mid September. Download flier.

Your CAPT representatives met June 27 with Department of State Hospital administrators to discuss level-two class action grievances filed at the Coalinga Chapter and the Atascadeo Chapter (filed by Secretary and Union Steward Tessa Hannula) relating to contract enforcement of 5.7, Exchange of Days Off. At the meeting were Coalinga Chapter President Jaime Garcia, Atascadero Chapter President Paul Hannula, Patton Chapter President Sylvia Hernandez, Metro Chapter President Chuck Garcia, and CAPT Consultant and Chief Contract Negotiator Ann Lyles. Download flier.

The May/June 2018 Outreach is available online. Download here.   

The 12-hour shifts at Atascadero have resulted in fewer mandates, which is why CAPT and the hospital would like to see the program expanded to more employees. CAPT and the 9.4 Committee is looking to improve the 12-hours shifts to meet the needs of our members. To understand more fully members’ disposition to 12-hour shifts, CAPT has devised a short survey to accurately assess where members stand. In other words, the goal of this survey is to know what we can do to make 12-hour shifts more attractive to our members. We encourage you to participate in this brief survey. The more information CAPT collects, the better we are equipped to work with hospital administration in achieving flexible work schedules that benefit members, patients, and the hospital alike. Download flier.

The political action special assessment took effect this last pay period. CAPT hoped that the special assessment would take effect in January. Implementation, originally scheduled for January, was delayed due to software issues with our database. The $6.50 special assessment should be reflected in your pay stub. To check, simply compare last month’s pay stub with your current pay stub. Download flier.

Effective July 1, 3%

Effective July 1, 2018, all eligible CAPT represented classifications will receive a general salary increase (GSI) of three percent. The three percent increase represents the third and final incremental pay increase negotiated under Article 4.2 on the Adjusted Pay Ranges of our 2016-19 BU 18 Agreement. The July 1 pay raise represents the last installment of the nine percent raise that was negotiated for the term of the contract. BU 18 employees received a three percent raise in July of 2016 (paid retroactively), 2017 and 2018. Download flier.

CAPT proudly endorsed Assembly Member Anna Caballero at its May 15 Board of Director’s meeting. The 12th Senate District encompasses the cities of Coalinga, Merced, Hollister, Los Banos, Patterson, Huron, Kingsburg, and Mendota.

“Anna Caballero is intimately familiar with our issues as she was Governor Brown’s Cabinet Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency,” said Eric Soto, CAPT Statewide President. “This agency oversees the Department of Consumer of Affairs which has jurisdiction over the Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians. Additionally, Caballero has served as a member of the California State Assembly for six years and has been a leader on state hospital and union issues.” Download flier.

Our friend and co-worker need the support of their CAPT brothers and sisters during this sad and difficult time. Tragedy struck Jeremiah's family on April 29. Their heartbreaking story is provided below.

On April 29 our world was turned upside down due to a tragic accident at our home. Our twin daughters were hospitalized after falling into our pool; both had a significant brain injury. On May 12 our daughter Maya was taken off life support after being declared brain dead by several neurologists. In her honor, her organs were donated to save six children’s lives. Her twin sister Makayla continues to make progress toward recovery but remains in ICU. She has recently begun breathing on her own as she continues to fight for her life. Her road to recovery will be extensive and long, but not lonely. As she shows us good signs and gives us hope, we have a reason to be strong. For Makayla, I ask that you all keep her in your prayers, and ask for healing. Thank you all.

Jeremiah Edwards, PT - MSH and Erica Alvarado, RN - PSH

Please consider visiting their gofundme page, which has been established to help pay for medical and funeral expenses. No donation is too little or small.

https://www.gofundme.com/maya-and-makayla-twins 

Download Flier.

CAPT member suffers tragic loss of child by drowning 

Our friend and coworker need the support of her CAPT brothers and sisters during this sad and difficult time. Tragedy struck Mykeshia on May 8, when her five-year-old son, Gerron, lost his life due to an accidental drowning. The unimaginable loss came after a tragic chain of events that led to his drowning. No parent anticipates the sudden and tragic loss of their child, yet this is the heart-wrenching reality that has fallen upon Keshia.

Please consider visiting her gofundme page, which has been established to help pay for her son's funeral expenses. No donation is too little or small.

 https://www.gofundme.com/gerron-funeral-expenses?member=163768

 Download Flier

Dear CAPT Coalinga Member,

As you know, the 2018 election process for the Coalinga Chapter was delayed. On March 20, a formal complaint was filed alleging campaign violations. An investigation was conducted, a special committee was convened and ultimately the CAPT Board of Directors upheld the committ ee' s findings. Download letter.

Every two years, CAPT members hold chapter elections to determine who their officers will be. This year elections were held for seven chapters – Northern Corrections, Southern Corrections, Napa, Patton, Porterville, Sonoma and Stockton. No other elections were held because either the current officers ran unopposed, only one candidate was eligible to run, or there was no opposition to a new candidate. Officers officially took office as of 5 p.m. on May 16. The following is a list of all chapter officers for the current term of office – through mid-May, 2020. State officer elections will be held at the CAPT Annual Meeting in September. Results will be posted on the CAPT website following the meeting and will be published in Outreach. Download flier.

The candidates listed below have received the CAPT Board of Directors’ endorsement for the June 5, 2018, Primary Election. 

STATE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS

Governor
Gavin Newsom-D
Lieutenant Governor
Ed Hernandez-D
State Controller
Betty Yee-D
State Treasurer
Fiona Ma-D
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Tony Thurmond
Attorney General
Xavier Becerra-D
Secretary of State
Alex Padilla-D
Insurance Commissioner
Ricardo Lara-D
Board of Equalization 2
Cathleen Galgiani-D
Board of Equalization 3
Scott Svonkin-D

Download flier.

BARGAINING UNIT
18 MEMBER(S)
CURRENTLY IN NEED OF
C.L. DONATIONS

Jeremiah Edwards PT - MSH
Jorge Fernandez PT - CEN

Download flier.

Make your vote count! Don’t forget to mail backyour ballot!

If you’ve been an active CAPT member since March 15 of the Northern Corrections, Southern Corrections, Napa, Patton, Porterville, Sonoma or Stockton Chapter and have not yet received a chapter election ballot packet, or believe you may be missing a piece of information, please contact Debi Loger immediately at CAPT Headquarters at (800) 677-2278. Download flier.

The March/April Outreach is available online. Download here.

Visit career center for transfer eligibility assistance

CAPT is urging all Psychiatric Technician Assistants at the Department of Developmental Services to make an appointment with the career center for assistance in filling out your Transfer Eligibility worksheet, CalHR form 880. The PTA classification will only exist at the Canyon Springs facility and at the Secure Treatment Program at the Porterville Developmental Center; however, you can use your Certified Nursing Assistant certification to work in another classification at another department. There are currently job opportunities for CNAs at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation/California Correctional Health Care Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Download flier.

CAPT is currently accepting applications for its 2018 Anthony Myers Memorial Scholarship Program

In 2014, CAPT’s Board of Directors voted to rename its annual scholarship program the Anthony Myers Memorial Scholarship Program in honor of CAPT’s previous state president who passed away from cancer.

The Board agreed that it was only fitting to rename the program after Tony, who was not only instrumental in establishing the scholarship program, but dedicated to the education of Psych Techs and advancement of the profession.

Tony was first elected as state president in 2000. He continued to be re-elected and held office through 2013.

CAPT is now accepting applications for the fourteenth round of scholarships it will award to students enrolled in Psychiatric Technician education programs. Download flier. Download application.

Chapter election ballots have been mailed!

With March 10 being the deadline for filing declarations of candidacy with CAPT Headquarters, seven CAPT chapters have had ballot packets with detailed voting instructions mailed out to their members for whom the union has addresses.

NOTE: Ballot packets for an eighth chapter - Coalinga, are on hold pending an investigation for alleged campaign violations. CSH CAPT members will soon be notified directly of the status of their chapter election process.

In the remaining four chapters - Atascadero, Community Facilities, Fairview and Metropolitan - those who declared for candidacy are running unopposed; therefore no ballot election is necessary.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

If you’ve been an active CAPT member since March 15 of the Northern Corrections, Southern Cor- rections, Napa, Patton, Porterville, Sonoma and Stockton Chapters, you should receive a ballot packet within the next several days. Each packet includes a ballot specific to your chapter, return envelopes, information on how to submit your ballot and a candidate statement for each candidate. Download flier.

BARGAINING UNIT 
18 MEMBER(S) 
CURRENTLY IN NEED OF 
C.L. DONATIONS

David Miller, PTA - CSH
Joann Ramirez, PTA - FDC

Want to find out how many donations you’ve received? Contact your facility’s personnel department.

CAPT got the concept of Catastrophic Leave off the ground two decades ago; the program’s been in our state Bargaining Unit 18 contract since 1989.

Article 6.9 of the CAPT contract gives state-employed Psych Techs and related professionals the right to request leave donations from coworkers in cases of financial hardship due to injury or the prolonged illness of the state Bargaining Unit 18 member or his or her family member, or for parental or adoption leave purposes. Download flier.

If you haven’t already heard, the BVNPT discontinued issuing pocket cards to new licensees and for license renewals. In the past, our members used these cards to demonstrate that their license renewal was processed successfully. Now that we are no longer receiving the paper cards, the only way for you or your employer to verify licensing status is online, so you must take it upon yourself to follow up with the BVNPT to be sure that the status of your license is current. Failure to resolve licensing issues before your license expires will will likely result in a non-punitive dismissal. If you do not have an active license, your employer will dismiss you from work until your licensing issue is resolved. It is therefore imperative that you renew early and accurately and that you follow up to verify that your licensing status is active. Download flier.

If you are an active candidate – one who is facing competition at one of the chapters currently holding officer elections, you’re no doubt in the middle of campaigning at the chapter level.

When you declared, you should have received a letter from CAPT along with a copy of the union’s operating policy on the Chapter Election Procedures. Within the letter, CAPT listed some of the do’s and don’ts for running your campaign. For clarification, again here are the guidelines: Download flier.

BARGAINING UNIT 
18 MEMBER(S) 
CURRENTLY IN NEED OF 
C.L. DONATIONS

Joann Ramirez, PTA - FDC

Want to find out how many donations you’ve received? Contact your facility’s personnel department.

CAPT got the concept of Catastrophic Leave off the ground two decades ago; the program’s been in our state Bargaining Unit 18 contract since 1989.  Download flier. 

CAPT has received official notification that the California Department of Human Resources has initiated layoffs at the Fairview Developmental Center. As a result of the 2015 Budget Act and other legislative trailer bill provisions, the Fairview Developmental Center is scheduled for closure no later than 2021. Due to the decreasing clientele, the closure of Fairview may come sooner than expected. Download flier.

The Jan/Feb 2018 Outreach is available online. Download here.

Don’t forget to declare - the March 10 deadline is FIRM!

Which offices are up for election at your chapter?

Atascadero Chapter (4 offices) 
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer

Coalinga Chapter (3 offices)
President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer

Community Facilities Chapter (3 offices) 
President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer

Northern Corrections Chapter (4 offices) 
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer 

Download Flier

The Quarterly Meeting of the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians Board of Directors will be Tuesday, March 20 and Wednesday, March 21, 2018. The meeting will be held at Harris Ranch in Coalinga CA and will begin at 11:00 a.m. Board meeting times are subject to change. Meting agendas will be provided at the meeting. For more information, please contact CAPT State President Eric Soto at (909) 365-2486.

CAPT Board Meetings are open to all CAPT members. Download flier.

CSH employee brutally assaulted during hospital lockdown due to inadequate staffing and safety protocols

Sacramento - Feb. 14, 2018  - The California Association of Psychiatric Technicians:

State-employed psychiatric technicians will hold an informational picket Friday, Feb. 16 outside Coalinga State Hospital to demonstrate the immediate need for increased staffing and workplace safety.

On Jan. 12, The Department of State Hospitals (DSH) implemented an emergency regulation banning electronic devices with storage, communication and internet capabilities from the patient population, most of whom are sexually violent predators. The new regulation caused a disturbance among the patient population that threatened the safety and security of other patients, staff, and the facility, resulting in a facility-wide lockdown. Although staffing was increased on the a.m. and p.m. shifts, staffing on the NOC shifts remained unchanged. The event augmented safety concerns already present in a facility where short staffing practices on NOC shifts endanger the safety and well-being of patients and psychiatric technicians, who are the direct level-of-care staff. Download Media Advisory. 

BARGAINING UNIT
18 MEMBER(S)
CURRENTLY IN NEED OF
C.L. DONATIONS

Mimi Mahdi, PT - FDC

Want to find out how many donations you’ve received? Contact your facility’s personnel department. Download flier

ATTENTION BU 18 MEMBERS

THE EMPLOYEES OF DSH-COALINGA DEMAND A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT!

SAFETY RALLY

When: Friday Feb. 16th
Where: DSH-C
Time: 0630 - 1630

Now is the time to declare our commitment to one another!  We need to take action and make our voices are heard. We need to do it now! Stand up with us and be counted.

Look around our workplace today. There is a good chance that you are working with someone who has been a victim of a work-related injury, possibly the result of a physical or verbal attack from a patient.

Look at the world through their eyes. Could they be experiencing fear? Perhaps they are afraid of not getting well again, of not being able to provide for their families or loved ones, or of working in an unsafe environment. Workers compensation may not cover the psychological and physical damage visible as a result of an injury. This staff member could be you!

Now think, are these injuries happening because the staff is being pushed to work in an unsafe environment, leaving our members vulnerable to an attack? Does working in a forensic environment mean we agree to be the casualties in a facility that has lost sight of implementing adequate safeguards, allowing injuries to occur? We think not! Download flier.

If you’re planning to run for a CAPT Chapter office, don’t miss these important deadlines!

ELIGIBILITY TO RUN

To run for office, you must have been a CAPT member and completed job steward training by January 1, 2018.

CANDIDATE  FILING  DEADLINE

March 10 is the deadline for filing a declaration of candidacy with CAPT Headquarters. If filed by mail, it must be postmarked by March 10. We recommend that it be mailed by “certified mail, return receipt requested.” If filed by FAX, it must be received at CAPT Headquarters by March 10. A declara- tion must be signed by the candidate for it to be considered valid. (Declarations must also include your address and phone number - for CAPT use only.) Download flier.

The retention stipends promised to DDS employees subject to layoffs due to facility closures, have not been paid. The stipends employees earned as of December 2017 were to be paid in January 2018. Porterville Chapter President Katherine Ramirez notified CAPT headquarters upon realizing that members’ January pay did not reflect the stipend. Employees were to earn $250 for every quarter worked during the fiscal year 2016-17, and effective July 1, 2017, a $500 incentive for every full quarter worked. Download flier.

Goal is to reduce MOT and increase morale

The newly comprised CAPT and CDCR/CCHCS joint Labor/Management Committee has met three times to review the current staffing model against alternative models that, if implemented, would reduce mandatory overtime and improve staff morale. As stated in our contract under overtime 5.1 (t), the goal of the committee is to reduce and, to the extent possible, eliminate mandatory overtime by July 2018. The CAPT representatives on the committee are State President Eric Soto, Southern Corrections Chapter President Marilyn Hayes, Northern Corrections Chapter President Kim Souza, Stockton Chapter President Jamila O’Neal, Consultant Ann Lyles and Consultant and Attorney Sean Bedrosian. Download flier.

CAPT supports Newsom for Gov and Becerra for AG

For the first time in CAPT’s 30-year history, candidates for state governor and attorney general interviewed with our Board of Directors vying for a CAPT endorsement. The unprecedented interviews were largely the result of CAPT’s recent decision to stand for workers’ rights by increasing its political action and participation in the political arena. The interviews took place Jan. 17 at CAPT headquarters in Sacramento. After spending the day vetting each candidate on the issues affecting California state-employed Psychiatric Technicians, the CAPT Board of Directors voted to support and endorse Gavin Newsom for California State Governor and Xavier Becerra for California State Attorney General. BU 18 is the first state bargaining unit to endorse a candidate for state governor. Download flier. 

CORRECTION: The Eligibility to Run deadline for being a CAPT member and having completed steward training is not January 1, 2017, but rather January 1, 2018. Download corrected flier.

The November/December 2017 Outreach is available online. Download here.

Among other reported problems, CAPT has learned that the California Department of Public Health is backlogged by five weeks in processing Certified Nursing Assistant certificate renewals. If you wait until the last minute to process your application and error with your application is found, your certificate will likely lapse, and you will not be able to report to work. To avoid a separation, it is critical that all PTAs expedite their renewal requirements and process their CNA renewal applications correctly and as soon as possible. Download flier.

Don’t forget the following deadlines!

CAPT will be holding elections soon for chapter officers in all 12 of its chapters.

Eligibility to Run

To run for office, you must have been a CAPT member and completed job steward training on or before January 1, 2017.
Candidate Filing Deadline

Candidate Filing Deadline

March 10 is the deadline for filing a declaration of candidacy with CAPT Headquarters. If filed by mail, it must be postmarked by March 10. We recommend that it be mailed by “certified mail, return receipt requested.” If filed by FAX, it must be received at CAPT Headquarters by 5 p.m., March 10. A declaration must be signed by the candidate for it to be considered valid. Declarations must also include your address and phone number to be valid (for CAPT use only). Download flier.

Various chapters throughout the BU 18 have informed CAPT that some members have experienced nonpayment for contractual pay increases relative to our salary and shift differential increases, as well as proper OBEB deductions and reimbursements. Our 2016-19 contractual salary and benefit adjustments are outlined below. If you feel you have not received the correct payment or reimbursement in any of the economic adjustments listed below, contact your chapter president and be prepared to present paystub documentation demonstrating the discrepancy. Pay discrepancies can be identified by comparing your paystub allocations from December 2016 through the present. Upon establishing a discrepancy, CAPT will work with the State Controller’s Office to have the pay discrepancies corrected. Download flier.

BARGAINING UNIT 18 MEMBER(S) CURRENTLY IN NEED OF C.L. DONATIONS

Migterry Solinap, PT - PDC

Want to find out how many donations you’ve received? Contact your facility’s personnel department.

CAPT got the concept of Catastrophic Leave off the ground two decades ago; the program’s been in our state Bargaining Unit 18 contract since 1989. Dowload flier.

Do you know a portion of your union dues or fees is tax deductible?

Federal law requires CAPT to give you a written estimate of how much of your membership dues or fair share fees go to the organization’s lobbying and political expenses.

The majority of the dues or fees you pay is allowable as an “employee business expense” deduction under your federal income tax. And your state tax is linked to the federal tax.

However, the part of your dues or fees that CAPT uses for political contributions and lobbying on behalf of Psych Techs is not tax-deductible. Download flier.

In accordance with our contract under 9.4 (g) Staffing, CAPT is meeting quarterly with representatives from the Department of State Hospitals Labor Relations for our newly comprised Joint Labor/Management Committee. With the understanding that mandatory overtime is not an effective staffing tool, the goal of the joint committee, as stated in our contract under Overtime, 5.1 (t), is to reduce and, to the extent possible, eliminate mandatory overtime by July 2018. Download flier. 

All legislation begins with an idea or concept: “There ought to be a law!” Ideas and concepts can come from a variety of sources, including professional organizations like CAPT. If you have a great idea that you would like considered in CAPT’s 2018-19 legislative agenda, contact your local chapter office or CAPT Consultant Coby Pizzotti at
1 (800) 677-2278 or coby@psychtechs.net. Download flier.

The September/October Outreach is available online. Download here.

PT Scheduling Survey--CDCR/CCHCS

Respondents needed!

Survey expires Nov. 10: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PSVQXLT

CAPT met Oct. 18 with CCHCS representatives from headquarters Labor Relations and Nursing for our first quarterly meeting of the newly comprised Joint Labor/Management Committee. Present at the meeting were CAPT representatives Marilyn Hayes, Southern Corrections Chapter president, Kim Souza, Northern Corrections Chapter president, and Ann Lyles, consultant and chief contract negotiator. Download flier.

BU 18 members who plan to run for office in 2018 must take note of CAPT's candidacy eligibility requirements and deadlines. To be eligible to run for and hold a CAPT chapter office, you must be a BU 18 member in good standing and have completed steward training on or before January 1, 2018. Download flier.

In Memory of Donna Kay Gross
Born March 30, 1956
San Jose, California
Died October 23, 2010
Napa, California

Join us today in solidarity for a moment of silence and prayer to honor the life and legacy of our fallen sister, Donna Kay Gross.

Today marked the seven-year anniversary of the death of Donna, mother, grandmother and dedicated Napa State Hospital Psychiatric Technician. On October 23, 2010, Donna was brutally attacked and killed by patient Jess Massey on the NSH grounds. Massey murdered Donna as she was returning to her unit to work another shift. Donna, 54, died by asphyxiation. Pleading no contest, her assailant is serving 25 years to life at California State Prison, Corcoran.

Donna’s living legacy brought significant improvements to state hospital safety and security. Even with these needed improvements, we must never grow complacent. CAPT urges everyone to remain vigilant for safety. Report and document all safety concerns, including understaffing. All cases of assault and injury must also be reported.

Download flier.

Salary advances to be issued at Dixon Fairgrounds

Due to the Sonoma County fires and the evacuation of the Sonoma Development Center, the direct deposits of SDC staff paychecks were not able to be processed, as processing occurs onsite. However, SDC will issue salary advances to the affected staff at the Dixon Fairgrounds located at 655 S 1st St, Dixon, CA 95620. Staff accepting a salary advance will be asked to sign a form promising to reimburse the Department of Developmental Centers for the advance amount within ten calendar days of the issuance of their direct deposit pay. CAPT encourages members to sign the form as it will ensure the continuance of your direct deposit without having to re-enroll.

Chapter meetings scheduled

At the Sept. 28 annual meeting, your CAPT delegates voted to defend workers and unions from an ever-present anti-union, anti-worker movement that is seeking to strip away our rights as workers by weakening their unions. To fight back, the delegates voted unanimously to create a temporary assessment of $6.50 per member per month to strengthen CAPT’s political action fund. The assessment will empower CAPT with needed resources to fight anti-union campaigns and legal actions against workers’ rights. The temporary assessment will begin on January 1, 2018, and end on December 31, 2020.

Download Flier | Download Member Letter 

‘Out of Darkness’

Join thousands of people in this nationwide event benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The AFSP has set a goal of reducing suicide 20 percent by 2025. Suicide claims nearly 40,000 American lives each year. CAPT is grateful to give its support.

Coverage of CAPT’s participation will be included in the Nov/Dec Outreach. Download flier.

Walk to Fight Suicide - Fresno

‘Out of Darkness’

Join thousands of people in this nationwide event benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The AFSP has set a goal of reducing suicide 20 percent by 2025. Suicide claims nearly 40,000 American lives each year. CAPT is grateful to give its support. 

Coverage of CAPT’s participation will be included in the Nov/Dec Outreach. Download flier.

SDC to process 2018 vacation bids facility wide

The Sonoma Development Center will conduct the 2018 vacation bid facility-wide, including off-site positions. Because new language in Article 6.2, Vacation Leave, requires a separate calendar for BU 18 members and other provisions, SDC management felt it was necessary to open the vacation bid facility-wide. As the client population declines and residences continue to close, SDC decided one vacation calendar would be sufficient and more efficient to administer. Download flier.

In anticipation of implementing, beginning fall 2017, an automated staffing system (KRONOS), Canyon Springs will be changing from a 5-2 cycle schedule to a 6-2 cycle schedule. The anticipated date of implementation is Nov. 1. The change was necessary because KRONOS cannot adapt itself to the current 5-2 cycle schedule. Download flier.

‘Out of Darkness’

Join thousands of people in this nationwide event benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The AFSP has set a goal of reducing suicide 20 percent by 2025. Suicide claims nearly 40,000 American lives each year. CAPT is grateful to give its support.

Coverage of CAPT’s participation will be included in the Nov/Dec Outreach. Download flier.

‘Out of Darkness’

Join thousands of people in this nationwide event benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The AFSP has set a goal of reducing suicide 20 percent by 2025. Suicide claims nearly 40,000 American lives each year. CAPT is grateful to give its support. 

Coverage of CAPT’s participation will be included in the Nov/Dec Outreach. Download flier.

The Fairview Development Center will conduct the 2018 vacation bid by program for ICF and NF residences. The STAR program and CPS will bid on separate calendars for each area. As required by Article 6.2, Vacation Leave, the calendars will be posted on October 1. Bidding will begin October 15 and will be conducted as a walk-up bid by seniority. Employees off work for extended leave will be mailed their appointment times. Download flier.

June Martin, NCYC, was recently added to the list of members in need of Catastrophic Leave donations. 

CAPT got the concept of Catastrophic Leave off the ground two decades ago; the program’s been in our state Bargaining Unit 18 contract since 1989. Download flier.

The BVNPT discontinued issuing pocket cards to its licensees, effective September 15, 2017. Employers, licensees and consumers can verify real-time license status by visiting the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ BreEZe License Verification System at:

https://www.breeze.ca.gov/datamart/loginCADCA.do 

Download flier.