The Atascadero, Coalinga and Metropolitan State Hospitals have elected to change the vacation bidding process under the ASSIST to a facility-wide model. All off-unit assignments are unaffected by the facility-wide model and will continue to bid as normal. Napa and Patton State Hospitals will maintain its vacation bidding on the program-based calendars. Download Flier.

CAPT recently reminded BU 18 members of the new 1.3 percent OPEB deduction, which appeared for the first time on our September 1 pay stubs. The deductions represent our first contribution to help fund our retiree healthcare benefits. Download flier.

CAPT has received several inquiries concerning the new deduction appearing on our September 1 pay stubs. Please be reminded, that this deduction represents our first contribution to help fund our retiree healthcare benefits. The 1.3 percent deduction from our PERSable income will go into a CalPERS’ administered, federally protected BU 18 trust to pre-fund our retirement health care benefits. Download flier.

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.

Vacation calendar to be delayed 8 days

Per our contract, the following year’s vacation calendar is to be posted each year on October 1. This year, however, the posting of the 2018 vacation calendar will be delayed by eight days due to needed upgrades on the ASSIST. The program enhancements were required to bring the ASSIST into compliance with new contract language. Consequently, the ASSIST will not be ready by the Oct. 1 deadline. The expected time line is as follows: Download flier.

Your Fairview Chapter representatives responded quickly to resolve a potential contract violation involving our Ad Hoc vacation bidding and our RDOs (Regular Days Off). FDC management was planning to post an Ad Hoc vacation calendar that had removed for bidding purposes our RDOs, thus limiting the number of vacations days available. Download flier.

The CAPT Atascadero Chapter is happy to report its recent win on a grievance filed at the department level over its last Post and Bid, in which hospital management failed to post all vacant positions for bidding purposes.

The issue began in late June after chapter representatives met twice with hospital management to discuss the status of the Post and Bid and to review the vacant positions. At this time, CAPT agreed to delay the Post and Bid for June 30. Unfortunately, management failed to meet the deadline, and CAPT responded by filing a contract grievance under Post and Bid at Article 9.2 (B), Posted Positions and (D.2), Award and Assignment, which state in part: Download flier.

Your CAPT representatives at the Metro Chapter know that our jobs can be extremely dangerous. The safety of our members has always been a top priority for CAPT, which is why CAPT fought hard for new language in our contract (Article 10.12) that REQUIRES the state to report ALL cases of patient assault/battery on an employee to the prosecuting authorities. Reporting should be done regardless of whether or not the employee involved wishes to press charges. Download flier.

CAPT representatives at the Porterville Chapter have recently learned that investigators from the Office of Protective Services are asking BU 18 employees to submit to a polygraph examination, otherwise known as a lie detector test, during investigative interviews. When CAPT questioned the legitimacy of this practice, investigators responded saying that they were only “asking” employees to take the examination and that it was up to each individual whether or not they wanted to comply. Download flier.

Attention BU 18 in CDCR/CCHCS
Know your mandate rights!

Facts about Mandates

Overtime must be offered to BU 18 level-of-care employees before allowing other classifications to work. Employees mandated to work in excess of one hour are to be rotated to the bottom of the mandate list, which is to be posted within four hours of the start of each shift. Mandates of less than two hours won’t count toward contract limits. Download flier.

Video Surveillance confined to public areas and common non-private areas

Your Porterville Chapter representatives want all BU 18 employees to be aware that the facility’s security surveillance cameras located in the Secure Treatment Program Units are transmitting recorded video footage for observation by the Office of Protective Services. The targeted areas for the video surveillance include public areas and non-private common areas. The PDC promotes the Safety Video Observation and Recording System as an effective means to ensure the safety and security of PDC clients, employees and staff. The recorded media will support OPS patrols. Download flier.

Catastrophic Leave

Helping one another through Catastrophic Leave Donations

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

Miguel Cortez, PT - PDC
Michael Segura, PTA - PDC
Alisha Alexander, PT - NSH

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 July/August 2017 Outreach is available. Download here.

For the 2017 Annual Meeting ~ September 26-28, 2017 at the BAHIA RESORT HOTEL

CAPT holds an Annual Meeting each September for the transaction of the Association’s general business, which includes, but is not limited to, developing new language and amending the current language of the Association’s Constitution and Bylaws, and Operating Policies. The meeting also offers an opportunity for participants to meet and network with members from other chapters and with CAPT staff. Download flier.

Catastrophic Leave

Helping one another through Catastrophic Leave Donations

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

Alisha Alexander, PT-NSH

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.

In the last Outreach, CAPT informed Psychiatric Technician Assistants seeking renewal for their Certified Nursing Assistant certificate to make sure their online continuing education provider is approved by the California Department of Public Health, as the Department was denying certificate renewals of PTAs who had not completed their education requirements from CDPH-approved CE providers. Download flier.

CAPT received notice that the Human Resources Director at the Sonoma Developmental Center had notified SDC staff that, due to a departmental merge, the July 1 salary increases may not be reflected in their July paychecks, which will issue on August 1. CAPT Consultant Carol Wiesmann immediately contacted the State Controller’s Office to ask if the departmental merge only affected the processing of our members’ paychecks working in the Department of Developmental Services or all those within the BU 18, including those working in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Department of State Hospitals, especially those members affected by the recent Lift and Shift, which directed the release and transfer of three DSH mental health facilities to CDCR. Download flier.

The Department of Developmental Services has recently announced the implementation of a Department Restriction of Appointment Process (DROA), effective July 20, 2017. DROA notices should arrive in mailboxes this week. Psych Techs affected by the facility closures at Sonoma, Fairview and the General Treatment Area at Porterville will be given a hiring preference when seeking employment at DDS areas not designated for closure. These areas include the Canyon Springs Community Facility and the Secured Treatment Program at the Porterville Development Center. Download flier.

Sacramento – June 30, 2017 – The California Association of Psychiatric Technicians (CAPT), a union of state-employed psychiatric nurses, strongly condemns the death threats made against Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon for temporarily shelving the “Healthy Care Act” or “Universal Health Care for California” bill also known as SB 562. Download press release.

By a recent judicial order, Psych Techs, along with Registered Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses, working at a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Adult Institution, are to carry and administer intranasal naloxone to inmate/patients who are experiencing depression of respiratory function due to an opioid overdose. Download flier. 

Our first round of incremental improvements bargained into our 
2016-19 contract agreement with the State of California become effective July 1, 2017. These improvements include a salary increase and a drop in our mandatory overtime limits. Download flier.

Licensure Examination Development

The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (Board) and the Office of Professional Examination Services (OPES) are recruiting licensed psychiatric technicians (PTs) to assist with the development of the California Psychiatric Technician Licensure Examination. Download Flier

–State promises ‘seamless transition’–

On June 21, CAPT met with state representatives from the California Department of Human Resources, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Correctional Healthcare Services, and the Department of State Hospitals to further discuss how the impending ‘Lift and Shift’ will affect our members working at the three DSH facilities within CDCR prisons. Representing CAPT at the table were Stockton Chapter Treasurer Toni King and Secretary Brenda Street, Northern Corrections Chapter President Kim Souza, CAPT State President Eric Soto and CAPT consultants Ann Lyles, Sean Bedrosian, attorney, and Cobi Pizzotti. Download flier.

The May/June 2017 Outreach is available online. Download here.

On June 8, the Legislative Budget Conference Committee heard the issue of the transfer to CDCR the Department of State Hospital programs operated inside of prison facilities. The conference committee voted unanimously to approve the proposal as outlined in the Governor’s January Budget and added budget bill language ordering CDCR to engage stakeholders during the transition process and report back the progress of the transition to legislative budget committees in the spring of 2018. Download flier.

Edgar Lopez, PT, SCP-Sac, was recently added to CAPT's list of BU 18 members in need of Catastrophic Leave donations. To donate, please download the flier.

Don’t let this opportunity slip by! Final reminder.

Deadline for CAPT's 2017 Anthony Myers 2017 Scholarship Program is Fast Approaching

CAPT is still accepting applications for the 13th round of scholarships it plans to award to students enrolled in Psych Tech education programs.

For applications to be considered, they must be postmarked no later than July 14, 2017. The scholarship winners will be announced at CAPT’s 33rd Annual Meeting, scheduled in late September. Download flier.

Pressured by the Department of Consumer Affairs and the State Legislature, the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians has decided to rescind its massive continuing education audit. Initiated late last year, the audit, which sought the CE records of over 52,000 licensees within a four-week period, drew much criticism for being unrealistic for all practical purposes. The BVNPT attributed the scale of the audit to a mail-room error, saying the requests for records were supposed to be sent in batches, not all at once. Download flier.

You don’t have to meet with a CDPH investigator alone, CAPT is here to help

CAPT activists at the Sonoma Developmental Center want every Psychiatric Technician Assistant member to know they have a right to union representation during an investigatory interview by the California Department of Public Health. Working with SDC labor relations, human resources and the investigative unit at CDPH, CAPT reps at SDC have secured confirmation from CDPH‘s chief investigator that the right of all BU 18 PTAs to have a union rep present during a CDPH investigatory interview will not be infringed. In an email to CAPT activist Megan Gordon, vice president, Sonoma Chapter, the department’s chief investigator recognized that since the outcome of an investigatory interview could lead to a negative employment consequence, the PTA, who is the subject of an investigation, has a right to be represented by a union rep during the investigatory interview. Download flier.

Cash-out requests must be submitted by end of May

CAPT has recently confirmed participation in the 2017 employee leave cash out benefit program from the Department of Developmental Services. DDS will allow for the maximum annual cash out of up to 80 hours of accumulated vacation/annual leave for the 2016-17 fiscal year. Download flier.

Pych Techs are the Best!

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale. First observed October 11–16, 1954, National Nurses Week honors the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's mission to Crimea, where she and a team of nurses improved the unsanitary conditions at a British-based hospital, reducing the war death count by two-thirds. Download flier.

Printed copies to arrive in mailboxes by end of May

Following a complete review of our recently enacted contract by both CAPT and the California Department of Human Resources, CAPT is pleased to report that a finished copy was delivered to the printer for processing and mail distribution. BU 18 members can expect to receive their personal copy in their mailboxes by the end of May. Download flier.

Known as International Workers’ Memorial Day and the United Nations’ World Day for Safety and Health, April 28 marks the annual day of mourning for workers killed, disabled, injured or made unwell by their work. The day also serves as a potent reminder that most workplace deaths, injuries, and illnesses are preventable. Download flier.

Recent updates on CAPT's Contract regarding retro-payments and raises.  See flier for details.  DOWNLOAD HERE.

CAPT’s 2016 - 2019 contract with the State of California was put into effect on March 15, 2017, the day Gov. Brown signed SB 28 into law. CAPT wants every BU 18 member to have access to and understanding of their new workplace rights. Compiled below by article and section is a list of our new workplace rights.  While not exhaustive, the list highlights the key provisions that are most frequently referenced by BU 18 members and advocates. If you have any questions, please contact a local chapter representative.

Article 2, Psychiatric Technicians

2.1 (A) Dignity clause violations are now grievable to the CalHR level.
2.1 (B) (3) (a) Employees will now be given the opportunity to secure the representative of his/ her choice within 24-hours of receiving notice of an investigatory interview.
2.1 (B) (3) (d) LOIs are now grievable to the second level (verbal counseling should occur before LOI).
2.1 (B) (3) (e) Employees shall have the right to attach a rebuttal to an LOI.
2.1 (B) (5) Employees shall not be directed to make any statement until, upon employee request, they have had an opportunity to review the matter with a representative. Download flier.

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

Loose lips sink careers

CAPT has been noticed by the Department of State Hospitals that the employees of the Office of Protective Services may utilize portable audio/video recorders when conducting preliminary investigations in response to certain incidents at DSH facilities. As your labor union, CAPT cannot stress enough how important it is for you to guard your speech and any statement you may feel compelled to give under these emotionally charged circumstances. These vulnerable, time-sensitive moments give investigators a unique opportunity for immediate exploitation of our representational rights by seeking employee statements that are premature, unadvised and emotionally driven. Download flier.

Loose lips sink careers

CAPT activists at the Corrections Chapters have been alerted to a disturbing trend where investigators from the Office of Investigative Affairs are conducting “knock and talk” investigative interviews, bullying CAPT members at their place of residence into giving up their legally protected right to union representation. In such instances, investigators show up at the home of an employee using manipulative methods to elicit a voluntary statement. In one such instance, an investigator tried to compel a CAPT member into cooperating with the investigation without representation by saying the issue at hand was much more serious than any union issue and that it would be in the person’s best interest to cooperate without the presence of a union rep. Download flier.

Loose lips sink careers

CAPT activists at Porterville Developmental Center have been alerted that investigators from the Office of Protective Services are calling members on the phone and bullying them into giving up their legally protected right to union representation. CAPT urges all BU 18 members not to let an investigator intimidate you into giving up any unadvised statements, not in person nor over the telephone. No matter the situation, the information sought after could lead to disciplinary or even criminal action. Anytime you have a reasonable belief that the interview may lead to disciplinary action, you’re legally entitled to union representation. If the investigator tries to downplay the situation or tries to intimidate or pressure you into complying, say you are not willing to oblige the questioning without representation and call CAPT right away. It is also important to establish whether you are being administratively or criminally interviewed, as you will have different rights in each situation. If you are unsure, call CAPT for assistance. Download flier.

The California Department of State Hospitals has introduced, for the purpose of reducing overtime, an Internal Registry Policy Directive that establishes, uniformly, a pool of registry staff and guidelines at each DSH facility. The policy, partially driven by CAPT’s strong advocacy to reduce mandatory overtime, was discussed at length during a recent meeting between CAPT and DSH representatives. During the meeting, CAPT expressed its concerns that the required shift increase would impact registry staff at some facilities; the state, however, was eager to begin implementation. Download flier.

CAPT’s tentative agreement with the State of California was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Brown, putting every contract provision, including our retroactive pay raises, into immediate effect. The agreement, reached Dec. 8, entered the legislative process after Bargaining Unit 18 member respondents voted 98 percent in January to ratify the agreement. Once BU 18 members signed off on the agreement, the contract language was drafted into Senate Bill 28 and presented to the Legislature for approval. On Feb. 17, the Senate passed the bill to the Assembly on a 27-7 vote, who then passed the measure to the governor on a 61-14 vote. Download flier.

CAPT activists and consultants met with state representatives from DSH, CDCR/CCHCS, and CalHR to discuss the state’s ‘Lift and Shift’ proposal and its implications on BU 18 employees working at the affected facilities. Present at the meeting with your questions in hand were Stockton Chapter officers Jamila O’Neal, Emmanuel Inyama and Toni King, and Northern Corrections Chapter President Kim Souza and Job Steward Tia Logan, California Medical Facility, Vacaville, and State President Eric Soto and CAPT Consultants Ann Lyles, Coby Pizzotti and Attorney Sean Bedrosian. Download flier.

Kathy Gustafson, PT - CSP-Sac, was recently added to CAPT's list of BU 18 members in need of Catastrophic Leave donations. To learn how to donate, please Download flier.

Today, the State Assembly voted 58 - 14 approving Senate Bill 28, the legislation containing CAPT’s tentative agreement and contract language. The measure now moves to the governor for his signature. Our agreement with the State of California must be ratified by the Legislature and governor before its provisions can go into effect. Download flier.

Senate Bill 28, the legislation containing CAPT’s tentative agreement and contract language, is making its way through the legislative process. Our agreement with the State of California must be ratified by the Legislature and governor before its provisions can go into effect.

“Waiting for the contract to be signed has been like watching ice melt, but it’s moving along,” said CAPT State President Eric Soto. “CAPT will continue to keep all our members updated every step of the way.” Download flier.

On March 14, CAPT will meet with state department representatives to discuss the ‘Lift and Shift’ proposal and its impact on Bargaining Unit 18 members working at the affected facilities. CAPT expects to have all departments present at this important meeting, including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Correctional Healthcare Services, California Department of State Hospitals and California Department of Human Resources. Download flier.

CAPT has recently accepted the Department of Developmental Services’ Employee Retention Incentive Program for employees affected by facility closures and layoffs. The terms and conditions of the program are provided below. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact your CAPT chapter office.

ELIGIBILITY

1. Effective July 1, 2016, all newly hired and current DDS employees working at the Sonoma Developmental Center, Fairview Developmental Center and Porterville Developmental Center's General Treatment Area that are subject to closure and layoffs are eligible to accrue a Retention Incentive stipend.
2. Less than full-time employees shall be eligible to accrue a retention stipend according to their time base. Download flier.

Marisol Martinez, PT, Atascadero, was recently added to CAPT's list of BU 18 members in need of Catastrophic Leave donations. To donate, please download the flier.

The January/February 2017 Outreach is available online. Download here. 

CAPT is pleased to announce BU 18 has approved our tentative agreement with the State of California. Ninety-eight percent of respondents voted in favor of ratification. Our 2016 – 19 contract agreement must now be approved by the Legislature and governor. Our agreement has been drafted into Senate Bill 28, which is expected to move quickly through the legislative process and to the governor’s desk. CAPT expects the governor’s approval of SB 28 by late February or early March. Our contract and all its provisions will become effective immediately upon Gov. Brown’s signature approval. Download flier.

Gov. Brown’s recently released proposed 2017-18 budget directs the release and transfer of three DSH mental health facilities to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation/California Correctional Health Care Services. The Department of State Hospitals currently operates 1156 mental health treatment beds inside three California state prisons: California Health Care Facility, Stockton; Salinas Valley State Prison; and California Medical Facility, Vacaville. The plan, otherwise known as ‘lift and shift,’ has been in the workings for three years and is the result of a Nov. 2015 memorandum of understanding between CDCR and DSH to improve program operations, including service delivery and inmate referral timelines. Download flier.

Last November, California passed Proposition 64 legalizing the possession and consumption of marijuana for recreational use. It is important to note that the passage of Prop. 64 does not affect the right of an employer, including the state of California, to maintain a drug-free workplace and prohibit the possession or use of marijuana in the workplace. Dowload flier.

Are you prepared?

Are you being audited? If not, chances are you might be soon. The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians has increased its number of Continuing Education audits. The increase, which is substantial and being felt statewide, is the BVNPT’s response to a recent report detailing past CE audit inactivity and fraudulent reporting. According to the report, 75 percent of the license renewals randomly sampled were processed with fraudulent CEUs. To make-up for the reported shortfall, the BVNPT plans to randomly audit one-third of its licensed LVNs and PTs for CE compliance. To our profession, the figure amounts to approximately 4,000 CE audits statewide. Compare that figure to the 760 total audits conducted on licensed Psychiatric Technicians between fiscal years 2010 through 2014. Download flier.

The November/December 2016 Outreach is available online. Download Outreach. 

Did 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.

Sacramento - December 9, 2016 - The California Association of Psychiatric Technicians (CAPT), the union representing more than 6,000 psychiatric technicians and related classes, employed at California state hospitals, prisons, and developmental centers, reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with the State of California that includes improvements for these direct-care professionals. Download Press Release.

After 28 grueling bargaining sessions with the State of California that culminated with a 20-hour session ending at 6:00 A.M. on Dec. 8., CAPT is pleased to report a tentative agreement for a new contract has been reached. CAPT’s bargaining team, including the CAPT Board of Directors, Chief Negotiator Ann Lyles and CAPT Legal Counsel Sean Bedrosian, worked diligently with one goal in mind: to improve our contract. Listed below is a brief synopsis of our new tentative agreement, the duration of which is from July 1, 2016 through July 1, 2019. Download flier.

Gustavo Zamora, PT - Fairview, was recenlty added to the list of coworkers in need of catastophic leave donations. Download Flier.

CAPT and its bargaining team members want to remind BU 18 members that our contract negotiations will resume Dec. 6 and 7. Please note that while our bargaining trek has been long and hard, having met with the State 26 times to date, we are still in negotiations. Download Flier.

On Nov. 1 and 2, CAPT bargaining team members met with the state to continue our negotiations on the remaining critical issues, including overtime, swaps and vacation. Although team members bargained well into the night on both days, little movement was made. Some progress was made with regard to overtime, but little in the way of our vacation and swaps. Download flier.

CAPT expects vacation slot deficits

Affected members are encouraged to file grievances

CAPT is expecting a possible deficit in the number of vacation slots for our upcoming 2017 vacation bid via the ASSIST. Affected members are encouraged to file a grievance right away. Article 6.2 of our MOU requires our employer to provide a necessary number of vacation slots so that each BU 18 employee may receive their full 32 days of vacation. Download flier.

Plan seeks to reduce PT license renewal fees

At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians approved an audit report that resulted from CAPT-sponsored language that was added to AB 179 by Assembly member Bonilla. The User Fee Audit Report, prepared by Capitol Accounting Partners, LLC, provided a detailed cost analysis of the Board’s individual and institutional licensing fee structures and sought to determine a fair and equitable method of allocating non-fee expenses, such as enforcement practices, including educational requirements, standards of practice and consumer rights education. Download flier.

The September/October 2016 Outreach is available online.

October 21, 2016 | Download Outreach

CAPT’s attempt to reach a contract agreement came to a crashing halt Aug. 23 over critical issues, including overtime, swaps and vacation. After holding informational meetings at each chapter, CAPT launched a three-week contract survey to collect measurable feedback from BU 18 members on the remaining contentious issues. The survey, closed Oct. 12, contained nine questions that addressed members’ views on mandate limits, swaps, vacation and Ad Hoc slots, and retroactive coverages for pay increases, health care costs and shift differentials. Download flier.

A Day of Remembrance

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

Wear Black on October 23

October 23 marks the six-year anniversary of the death of Donna Gross: mother, grandmother and dedicated Napa State Hospital Psychiatric Technician. Download flier.

Be informed, prepared and ready!

As previously reported, our 2017 Vacation Bids will be administered statewide via the ASSIST program, otherwise known as the Automated Staff Scheduling and Information Support Tool, between October 17 and November 15. Our Ad Hoc bidding will begin on December 1 and will roll out alphabetically, beginning with Atascadero, followed by Coalinga, Metro, Napa, Patton and Stockton. Download flier.

Jennifer Reyes, PT at MSH, was recently added to list of members in need of catastrophic leave donations. Download flier.

By Liza Gross, KQED Science Contributor
OCTOBER 3, 2016

California’s network of state psychiatric hospitals is charged with treating people with mental illness who pose a danger to themselves or others, but workers faced with ongoing assaults by patients have struggled to provide a therapeutic environment. In this in-depth account, veteran California journalist Liza Gross reports that injured workers at the five psychiatric hospitals, including Napa State Hospital, have lost tens of thousands of workdays while taxpayers pay millions of dollars in workers’ compensation and overtime costs. Read more.

Walk to Fight Suicide

CAPT will take part in suicide prevention walks, benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Join us at an  ‘Out of Darkness’ near you! Download flier.

Melissa Perez, PT at CSP-Corcoran, was recently added to list of members in need of catastrophic leave donations. Download flier.

Counties may require preventative measures

Under California Health and Safety Code 120175, county public health officers have authority to take necessary action to prevent the spread of contagious, infectious or communicable diseases within the territory that is under their jurisdiction. Actions by county health officials often include mandates that require healthcare facilities, including state healthcare facilities, to implement flu-prevention measures. Download flier.

The Department of State Hospitals has announced that our 2017 Vacation Bids will be implemented via the ASSIST program, otherwise known as the Automated Staff Scheduling and Information Support Tool. The implementation will be performed statewide and will be conducted between October 17 and November 15. The automated Ad Hoc bidding will begin on December 1. Download flier

CAPT is happy to report that over 400 BU 18 members have participated in our contract survey since it went live on Sept. 20. CAPT has extended the survey period until October 12 so that all members may have ample opportunity to participate. Spread the word and make sure your voice gets counted on overtime, swaps and vacation. Visit and complete the SURVEY ASAP. For more information, contact your local chapter. Download flier 

On Sept. 22, the 2016 CAPT Delegation elected Metro Chapter President Eric Soto to the Office of State President. Soto’s term as the Association’s State President began immediately upon adjournment of CAPT’s 32nd Annual Meeting. Download flier.

On Sept. 22, the 2016 CAPT Delegation elected CAPT’s statewide leadership. Past Metro Chapter President Eric Soto (center) was elected CAPT state president in a race between himself and incumbent State President Juan Nolasco. Soto’s term as the Association’s State President began immediately upon adjournment of CAPT’s 32nd Annual Meeting. Download flier.

Survey extended to Oct 12!

CAPT’s contract negotiations are at a standstill and we need your input to move forward. CAPT has prepared a contract survey to collect feedback from BU 18 employees on important, yet contentious issues. To participate in the survey, please visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/9FH2HBZ. Download survey flier.

Make sure you know the difference and your rights 

It has come to the attention of CAPT that the Office of Protective Services has recently initiated some new practices at PDC that employees should be aware of. First, investigators have begun demanding personal information and driver’s licenses from members after incidents. CAPT has been informed that this has now been made a requirement by PDC and we have requested to meet and confer before this requirement goes into effect. Second, OPS has begun to initiate investigatory interviews almost immediately after an incident, without clarifying first with the CAPT members they are questioning whether the interview is part of an administrative or criminal investigation. Due to the dual roles of OPS at PDC as both administrative and criminal investigators, there is often a lack of clarity on this point. However, as detailed below, it is essential that you confirm whether you are being administratively or criminally interviewed, as you have different rights in each situation. If there is any confusion on this point, it is best to contact a CAPT representative immediately to assist you. Download flier.

In cases involving criminal charges, seek a criminal lawyer 

If you are the subject of a criminal investigation or have been criminally charged or arrested for an alleged criminal activity, CAPT cannot represent you. Union attorneys cannot provide criminal representation, even if the alleged criminal activity occurred during working hours. Examples of criminal activity while working may include the death or injury of a patient, client or inmate, sexual assault or a major drug investigation. For these and other types of criminal offenses, you should seek legal representation from an attorney specializing in criminal law. CAPT does not provide criminal representation, nor does it reimburse members who retain a criminal lawyer in connection with their case. Download flier.

Having exhausted all administrative remedies, CAPT has filed a writ of mandate and breach of contract lawsuit against DDS and CalHR for failing to comply with our MOU and meeting and conferring with CAPT for purposes of implementing safety retirement to PDC employees in the miscellaneous category. As many of you are aware, our MOU contains a provision to implement safety retirement for all PDC employees once the forensic population reaches 50 percent. 

Article 8.7(g) of our MOU states clearly: Download flier. 

CAPT officers and consultants will be holding informational meetings at each chapter in the coming weeks to discuss the status of our negotiations, where we are stalled, and to seek direction, strategy and resolve. As previously reported, our negotiations came to a crashing halt last week over non-economic issues, including overtime, swaps and vacation.

The meeting dates, times and locations for each chapter are listed below. We look forward to receiving your input. If you have any questions, please contact your local chapter. Download flier. 

After 24 grueling bargaining sessions, CAPT’s attempt to reach an agreement on a new contract came to a crashing halt shortly before midnight on Aug. 23 over critical non-economic issues, including overtime, swaps and vacation. Without having these items in place, your CAPT bargaining team could not in good faith agree to a contract that it did not feel our membership deserved. Provided below are the state’s unacceptable proposals on these issues: Download flier.

Metro’s two-year battle against out-of-control mandates and other blatant contract violations has finally paid off. The mandatory overtime (MOT) levels at DSH-Metropolitan have dropped significantly, 57 percent from 2015 to 2016. Consequently, at its August meeting, CAPT’s Board of Directors, voted to lift the ‘red-tag’ sanction, issued in May 2014. Besides the reduction in MOT, there has also been a 50 percent reduction in one-to-ones, a 60 percent reduction in sick hours and a 75 percent reduction in lost work due to staff injuries. Download flier.

A bill sponsored by CAPT to improve the health and safety of patients and staff by prohibiting the state from mandating Psychiatric Technicians from working overtime except in certain emergency circumstances cleared its final legislative hurdle when the State Assembly on Aug. 18 approved the measure on a vote of 54-19. The State Senate approved SB 780 by Sen. Mendoza back on June 1 on a vote of 22-11. SB 780 now sits on the governor’s desk where the bill must either be approved or vetoed before the Sept. 30 deadline. If signed into law by Gov. Brown, the bill will take effect on Jan. 1, 2017. Two years ago, Gov. Brown vetoed similar legislation, saying the issue was a matter best left to the collective bargaining process.

The CAPT Patton Chapter wants its members to know that the union is taking aggressive legal action at several levels to fight the onslaught of adverse actions taken against our coworkers. Download flier.

Jerry Brown, unions remain embroiled in negotiations

BY RACHEL COHRS

rcohrs@sacbee.com

Between June 1 and July 2, 15 state employee bargaining units’ contracts expired. So far, only one of them has come to an agreement with the governor.

This round of negotiations is particularly sticky because California Gov. Jerry Brown is trying to chip away at nearly $72 billion in retiree health benefit obligations over the next 30 years by getting state employees to contribute from their paychecks. With certain units, that strategy hasn’t gone over smoothly.

International Union of Operating Engineers representative Steve Crouch said while the union agrees with the concept of pre-funding retiree benefits, it disagrees with the amount of money that should be taken out of workers’ paychecks.

“These workers are finally trying to get back on their feet again,” Crouch said. “They were hoping to see an improvement in standards of living, but with this you give in one hand and take from the other.”

A tentative deal struck with IUOE-represented bargaining Unit 12 failed to ratify with union members earlier this month. The maintenance workers’ contract expired in July 2015.

Ann Lyles, chief negotiator for psychiatric technicians’ Unit 18, said the retiree health benefit tradeoff is “truly of concern” to unit members. She added there is “no way” their negotiating team wants to reach a tentative agreement that they won’t be able to ratify.

“Unless they balance (retiree health benefit contributions) with other things, this is not going to be attractive to members,” Lyles said. Read more.

Exhausted employees forced to work unsafe 16-hour shifts at state hospital

Sacramento - July 14, 2016  - The California Association of Psychiatric Technicians:

WHAT: Informational picket and rally to protest Department of State Hospital-Stockton’s unsafe use of overtime as a regular staffing tool.

WHERE: CHCF Stockton, 7707 Austin Rd., Stockton 95215 (at front entrance, off grounds).

WHEN: Friday, July 15 from 10:00 - 3:00 p.m.

WHO: Members of the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians and others concerned about out-of-control overtime and contract violations. Download press release.

On July 6 and 7, our bargaining team concluded another round of negotiations without having finalized a tentative contract agreement. CAPT was met with resistance on many core issues, necessitating additional sessions. CAPT and the State will meet at the table again to iron out our differences on August 2, 3, 16 and 17.

To date, CAPT has met with the state 19 times to negotiate a fair contract. While many of our items are off the table, the tough issues remain. The State tested CAPT’s resolve with take-it-or-leave-it management contract language. Fortunately, our resolve is strong. Our bargaining team members are determined to persevere for a contract that will rightly improve our working conditions, salaries and benefits. Download flier.

CAPT and the State have yet to reach a tentative agreement for a new MOU and, as many of you know, our MOU expires today, July 1, 2016. Fortunately, our current contract contains an “evergreen clause,” which keeps it in effect until CAPT and the State reach an agreement. Should CAPT and the State come to an impasse and fail to reach an agreement, a mediator will be assigned to help both parties resolve any remaining issues.

Much contract work was completed at our last negotiations held June 28, 29 and 30, but more work is needed. Additional sessions were scheduled for Wednesday, July 6 and Thursday, July 7. Download flier. 

Secretary of State Alex Padilla announced Thursday, June 30, that Proposition 55, an extension of the Prop. 30 tax initiative supported by CAPT, has qualified for the November 8, 2016, General Election Ballot.

Backed by a coalition of school and healthcare worker unions, Prop. 55 extends by 12 years Prop. 30, a 2012 measure that imposed higher taxes on wealthy Californians, those earning more than $250,000 a year. Prop. 30 is set to expire in 2018. If passed by the voters, the new measure, Prop. 55, will extend the income tax until 2030, adding an estimated tax revenue of $4.3 to $9 billion annually to help pay for local schools, community colleges and healthcare. Download flier. 

More sessions needed

CAPT’s bargaining efforts for a new contract are far from over. Additional sessions are needed and have been scheduled for June 28, 29 and 30.

In June, team members held working caucuses to finalize CAPT’s remaining proposals. To date, CAPT has presented all but one of its 66 proposals. Of those proposals, 63 seek to improve existing sections of our contract, while the other three seek to create brand new sections within the contract. The state, on the other hand, sunshined the entire contract, all 144 sections. The State typically sunshines the entire document so that it is free to introduce proposals on any given section of the contract at any time throughout negotiations. Between both ours and the state’s proposals, tentative agreements were drawn on 104 items, of which more than half were rollovers, those sections of the contract that are simply rolled over without discussion because they lack contention. There are 44 outstanding sections that still need to be bargained. Download flier.

In addition to the numerous benefits and programs offered exclusively to CAPT’s active union members, the association has recently been able to increase coverage of the sponsored life insurance it provides for all active CAPT members. Download flier.

On September 20-22, the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians will hold its 32nd Annual Meeting. This year’s meeting will be hosted by the Napa, Northern Corrections, Sonoma and Stockton Chapters and will be held at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel in South Lake Tahoe.

Each year this conference provides for CAPT chapter officers and elected delegates a voice in establishing or amending the language by which the Association is governed. It also offers members an excellent opportunity to network with CAPT’s Board of Directors, its consultants and other members from each of the Association’s 12 chapters.

Letters of interest must be submitted no later than Monday, July 4 to be eligible for consideration.

Download Southern Corrections Chapter 2016 Annual Meeting Flier 
Download Northern Corrections Chapter 2016 Annual Meeting Flier

Please consider helping your fellow CAPT members in need of Catastropic Leave! Download flier. 

Every two years, CAPT members hold chapter elections to determine who their officers will be. This year elections were held for nine chapters – Atascadero, Coalinga, Community Facilities, Northern Corrections, Southern Corrections, Napa, Patton, Porterville and Stockton. No other elections were held because either the current officers ran unopposed or there was no opposition to a new candidate. Officers officially took office as of 5 p.m. on May 19. The following is a list of all chapter officers for the current term of office – through mid-May, 2018. State officer elections will be held at the CAPT Annual Meeting in September. Results will be posted on the CAPTwebsite following the meeting and will be published in Outreach. Download flier.

Use ‘em or lose ‘em

Remember that as a state Bargaining Unit 18 member, you are entitled to receive two Professional Development Days before July 1, 2016! With PDDs, the state provides “two days per fiscal year (without loss of compensation) for activities such as professional association activities, professional and/or personal development seminars, etc., to promote professional and/or personal growth and to enhance...goals.” PDDs are requested and approved in the same manner as vacation or annual leave, but they can’t be accumulated: They must be used in the same fiscal year in which they’re granted. So if you haven’t utilized yours already, don’t forget those PDDs! For more information on Professional Development Days and their usage, contact your chapter office. Download flier.

Use ‘em or lose ‘em

Remember that as a state Bargaining Unit 18 member, you are entitled to receive two Professional Development Days before July 1, 2016! With PDDs, the state provides “two days per fiscal year (without loss of compensation) for activities such as professional association activities, professional and/or personal development seminars, etc., to promote professional and/or personal growth and to enhance...goals.” PDDs are requested and approved in the same manner as vacation or annual leave, but they can’t be accumulated: They must be used in the same fiscal year in which they’re granted. So if you haven’t utilized yours already, don’t forget those PDDs! For more information on Professional Development Days and their usage, contact your chapter office. Download flier.

CAPT is happy to report a recent win on our vacation bidding rights at CSP- Corcoran. The issue began last October after Corcoran failed to provide enough slots on the 2016 vacation calendar for all BU 18 members to bid for and receive their full 32 days of vacation. A clear contract violation, Southern Corrections Chapter President Josette Manning worked with Juan Alvarado, the local chief steward, to resolve the issue. Management resisted CAPT’s attempts to resolve the issue informally, forcing CAPT advocates to initiate a formal grievance. With the assistance of CAPT Consultant Ann Lyles, the matter was elevated to the department level and ultimately submitted for expedited arbitration on March 29, 2016. CAPT attached all supporting documentation to the expedited arbitration, including a copy of an expedited arbitration generated from CMC on the same issue that CAPT won back in 2009. Download flier. 

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale. National Nurses Week was first observed from October 11–16, 1954, in honor of the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's mission to Crimea, where, during the war, she and a team of nurses improved the unsanitary conditions at a British-based hospital, reducing the death count by two-thirds.

CAPT celebrates and honors the individuals who have dedicated their lives to the Psychiatric Technician profession, a principled profession characterized by compassion, commitment, respect and dignity. Society owes a debt of gratitude to Psychiatric Technicians for their unique role in the health care industry, providing enhanced care, treatment and quality of life to individuals suffering with mental illness and developmental disabilities. Your work is worthy of special recognition and we are grateful for you heart of compassion, service and commitment. Download flier.

If you’ve been an active CAPT member since March 15 of the Atascadero, Coalinga, Community Facilities, Northern Corrections, Southern Corrections, Napa, Patton, Porterville, 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.

Every 15 seconds, a worker dies from a work-related accident or disease, and 160 workers experience a work-related accident.

Known as International Workers’ Memorial Day and the United Nations’ World Day for Safety and Health, April 28 marks the annual day of mourning for workers killed, disabled, injured or made unwell by their work. The day also serves as a potent reminder that most workplace deaths, injuries and illnesses are preventable. Download flier.