CASE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE
CALPERS Arbitration Decision. CASE received the attached arbitrator’s award in the CalPERS telework/return-to-office mandate grievance. Unfortunately, the arbitrator determined CalPERS showed there was an operational need justifying its 3-days-per-week in-office mandate. This is the first arbitration award CASE has received, although CASE still has numerous other arbitrations pending for different departments. The critical part of the “operational needs” analysis appears on pp. 23-24. Unfortunately, her interpretation made it very easy for CalPERS to satisfy the low burden she set on this crucial term.
This lone arbitrator’s decision is not the end of the fight. CASE will continue to pursue grievances and arbitrations at all departments that insist on this arbitrary in-office mandate. Arbitration awards are generally final and non-appealable, subject to very limited exceptions. CASE is carefully evaluating the next steps and will communicate with members about new developments.
As we continue to fight the return-to-office mandates, it is worth remembering that a large number of our members – including those who work at two of our largest BU2 employers (DOJ and State Fund) – continue to operate under departmental management that permits full-time telework. These departments have articulated well-informed decisions about what works best for legal professionals.
CASE is dedicated to continuing this fight with the goal of that outcome becoming the result for employers of choice for state legal professionals.
MOU Suggestion Box. While we are a year away from the next round of bargaining, it’s never too soon to collect ideas for future negotiations. You have access to our MOU Suggestion Box, a place for members – and ONLY members – to contribute ideas for new or improved benefits and MOU terms at any time. We are, of course, well aware of the need for the Governor to address continuing salary lags (both within the unit and between state service and local government jobs), so we are hoping to collect your ideas on non-salary MOU items. To complete a suggestion card, click here. (pw: membersmatter22).
REMINDERS
Next CASE Board Meeting is Friday, May 17. Members are invited to attend all CASE Board Meetings. The next quarterly Board Meeting is Friday, May 17. Register here no later than Thursday, May 16 at 5:00p and you’ll receive the link by 9:00am on Friday morning to attend. (pw: membersmatter22)
Support Foster Youth and Your Health. Join your fellow CASE members for a good cause on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Foster the Future Run in La Cañada. The event, with 5k or 10k options, benefits Journey House and CASE members receive $15 off their registration using the discount code CASE.
Tracking Return-to-Office Mandates. Your feedback on the impact of return-to-office mandates is invaluable in helping CASE prepare to meet and confer with departments and agencies as well as preparing grievances and for arbitration as necessary. Consider sharing the impact of the proposed policy changes with us via this form.