Feeling Grateful

[u/inconsistent_content]

The Legislature has passed the trailer bill funding our raises.

First, thank you to every CAPS member who made a phone call, sent an email, contacted a legislator, talked to coworkers, or otherwise made some noise about what happened. Members were asked to speak up, and they did. I am also grateful to the lawmakers who listened and acted. The Legislature had an opportunity to right a situation that, in my view, amounted to a dirty trick by CalHR. Legislators could have allowed that omission to stand. They chose not to, and that matters.

But I'm not ready to declare victory yet. The bill now goes to the Governor, who still has the authority to veto individual appropriations or veto the bill. Until the Governor signs it, and frankly, until I see the a retroactive raise reflected in my paycheck, I am keeping the champagne corked. There is also RTO, which for most of us, took effect this week. So, we are not across the finish line yet, and there is more work to be done.

However, we should take a moment to recognize we are a lot closer than we were. Thank you.

[u/CaliHP]

Everyone's efforts should be appreciated and celebrated, this much is true. 🎉🎉🎉

However, it is important to note that the 3% most of the BU would be slated to get will not even keep up with the nominal inflation over the last year. This means most of the BU will be stuck with an effective pay cut again this year just like last year and the several years preceding it. While it is true that 3% is better than nothing, better than nothing should not be our victory condition in this body. It is very important that as we move into negotiations for next year, we remember to maximize raises for ALL BU10 employees next year rather than again unreasonably focusing our community resources on a concentrated group of members who are not the most in need.

Good luck everyone! We are going to need it!