CASE Is Back at the Bargaining Table. As you know, the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) expires on June 30, 2025. The CASE Bargaining Team has been relentlessly advocating during bargaining sessions every Tuesday and Wednesday since mid-February. We are working through over 140 MOU provisions, and so far, our dedicated efforts have already secured tentative agreements on approximately 25% of these provisions. While bargaining rules prevent us from sharing specific negotiation details until we reach a full tentative agreement, know that CASE is fighting tirelessly behind closed doors for every member.
It is important to note that, even if we do not reach a new MOU by June 30, all existing terms of the current MOU will remain in effect unless there are time frames associated with a provision (i.e. general salary increases).
Historically, reaching agreements before the expiration of the MOU rarely occurs, but rest assured that the Bargaining Team is doing everything in its power to get the best deal possible to present to membership. Once a tentative deal is reached by the Bargaining Team and is approved by the CASE Board of Directors, the final decision on ratification rests entirely with you, our voting members. During the most recent bargaining session in 2022, when CalHR presented an inadequate offer, the Bargaining Team, rather than accept a substandard deal, presented the agreement to members through a straw poll. When members overwhelmingly rejected it, CASE forced CalHR to increase its offer which members ultimately ratified.
Thank you to those members who have taken direct action with CalHR, supporting the Bargaining Team’s efforts. We are stronger in numbers, and we remind those that have not, there is still time. Attached here is an exemplar Demand, similar to what many of your colleagues have submitted for each BU2 member’s consideration. The Bargaining Team continues to keep all avenues open to fight for our members both at the table and outside of Bargaining Sessions and we can assure you all actions taken are part of a long-term strategy targeted to improve our wages and benefits.
We cannot stress enough that CASE will continue our unwavering fight for all members throughout the summer. We will keep you updated through CASE Files and direct communications as negotiations progress.
If you need more information or feel communication is insufficient, contact us at case@calattorneys.org and we will respond promptly.
Update on the State Budget. On Monday, the Legislature released a summary of the budget agreement reached between the two houses. The summary states that the Legislature has rejected three of the proposals that were offered in the Governor’s May Revision: (1) the proposal to assume savings in salary and wage reductions from collective bargaining agreements, (2) the proposal to suspend salary and wage increases for state employees, and (3) the proposal to make statutory changes to the State Employee Telecommuting Program.
CASE’s lobbying team attended both the Assembly Budget Committee and Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5’s hearings that took place this week, voicing CASE’s support for the Legislature’s rejection of these proposals.
The next step in the budget process is for the main budget bill, SB 101, to be amended this week to reflect the details of the Legislature’s two-party budget agreement. Both houses of the Legislature must vote on the final amended version of SB 101 and pass it by June 15 in order to meet the state’s constitutional deadline. After that, the bill will move to Governor Newsom, who will then decide whether to sign the budget, veto portions of it through line-item vetoes, or seek further changes through negotiations with legislative leaders.
We are thrilled that the Legislature’s budget agreement rejected these outrageous proposals, yet we will remain vigilant, as the budget process is fluid. As such, we will continue to keep members updated as the budget process continues.
3rd Annual CASE Public Service Scholars Award. Applications are open for the 3rd Annual CASE Public Service Scholars Award. CASE Members and their dependents pursuing higher education are invited to apply between now and June 15. The award honors applicants who are currently in a career, or plan to pursue a career, in government or another form of service supporting the common good, or applicants who can demonstrate meaningful commitment to serving others by participation in service-oriented academic pursuits, volunteer, or community service. Apply here (pw: membersmatter22).
Coalition Day of Action. On June 5 CASE members joined with CASE Board Members and staff at the Rally & Press Conference at the Capitol along with CAPS, ASFCME 47 and ASFCME 2620, to focus on the Governor’s overreach and identifying waste in the budget/RTO mandate. Vice President Ryan Smith addressed the group in regard to the importance of CASE members to the State of California and that how we will not allow the Governor to balance the budget on the backs of our members.
SpaFinder Gift Cards. Welcome to the ultimate relaxation experience with the SpaFinder Gift Card! In appreciation of your membership, CASE would like to treat you or a loved one to a day of pampering at top spas and wellness centers. With this online event, you can indulge in massages, facials, yoga classes, and more. It is the perfect gift for anyone in need of some self-care. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate with two $50 SpaFinder gift cards for the price of one! Gift cards are limited. Click here to purchase.
Last Chance for Baseball! For a discounted price of $30, you will get the chance to participate in a great American tradition and build camaraderie with your fellow CASE Members. As the series has sold out quickly, one additional game is left:
- Minnesota Twins at Los Angeles Angels on Monday, September 8 at 6:38 pm, Section 109 (Mike Trout Bobblehead Night)
Professional Development Days – Use ‘Em or Lose ‘Em. CASE Members receive professional development days (PDD) each year. Unlike other types of leave that can rollover from year to year, your PDDs expire each fiscal year on June 30. You can check to see how much PDD time you have on the books by referring to the Leave Balances box in your CalConnect Account. Unlike other leave balances which get lower with use, the “TRNG/DEV” line item that reflects PDD use counts up with usage. If the number in the far-right box is less than 40, then you have PDD time to use.