Published Date: 2021-05-24

CAPT and CalHR meet to renegotiate compensation reduction side letter

Next meeting scheduled for June 2, 2021

CAPT met with CalHR on May 21 to renegotiate last year’s compensation reduction side letter. CAPT is seeking to have our compensation fully restored to pre-pandemic levels—this includes all the economic provisions bargained in our last contract and the elimination of the monthly 16-hour Personal Leave Program.

Last year, the State Legislature and governor mandated both a 10 percent reduction in state worker compensation and a postponement of all negotiated raises scheduled to take effect on or after July 1, 2020. CAPT’s side letter with the state deferred our July 1, 2020, 2.75% General Salary Increase to July 1, 2022, and the July 1, 2021, 2.75% GSI to July 1, 2023. It also instituted a PLP program equal to a 9.23% compensation reduction. As you know, these measures were taken at a time when the state budget forecast was bleak with a projected $54 billion deficit. In stark contrast, this year’s proposed budget reports a $75.7 billion surplus as well as $27 billion in federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan.

CAPT will resume its side letter negotiations with CalHR on June 2. Please stay tuned as CAPT seeks to eliminate the PLP program and restore both the July 2020 and 2021 GSIs for a total GSI of 5.5%.

"As mental health professionals, as licensed nursing staff, and as essential workers, state-employed Psych Techs responded in California's greatest time of need," said State President Eric Soto. "We risked our health and lives and those of our households by continuing to work every day. The State's finances are such that CAPT seeks an immediate end to the PLP and an immediate implementation of our negotiated raises. We believe the Governor will do the right thing. It's up to us to press our case."

CAPT is also investigating the prospect of premium pay for our essential workers through the American Rescue Plan.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact your local chapter.

May 24, 2021 | Download Flier