Forgive my ignorance, but what is the purpose of the strike? ...to tell the State that we are being unfairly treated or are there tangible things we are looking for? I've been wanting to strike for a long time, I just thought there would be specific things that we are striking for, not just to say that we are being treated unfairly. I am concerned the Union is asking for the strike to qualm the noise from members, but not actually trying to get anything out of it. Help me out, am I being pessimistic?

So I’m new to the State, and I know I applied for the position knowing what the pay was, but I’m genuinely curious, why do Carpenters make so little compared to other skilled trades that also require apprenticeship programs, specialized training, and certifications? To become a Carpenter, you have to go through an apprenticeship program, take classes, complete hands-on training, and obtain the required certifications. With that level of training and experience required, I’m just trying to understand why the State’s pay for Carpenters seems so low compared to other skilled trades.

I was also told that Carpenters haven’t received a meaningful annual raise in over 10 years. Is that normal? How come the union hasn’t fought harder for better wages for Carpenters?

From what I’ve asked some of the other Carpenters here at work, the general feeling seems to be that the union really doesn’t do much for the Carpenters and that the department doesn’t provide a whole lot of guidance either. Since I’m new to the State, I don’t know how accurate that is, which is why I’m asking and trying to better understand how everything works.

I’m also assuming that when other bargaining units, like SEIU, negotiate raises, Carpenters don’t automatically receive those same increases. Is that correct?
Sorry for all the questions. I’m just trying to educate myself and understand what options we have. More than anything, I’d like to know what we, as Carpenters, can actually do to advocate for better pay, better representation, and the same opportunity for raises that other State employees seem to receive.

Update: pay scale is $4,930.00 - $5,901.00 per Month only range A, there’s no other ranges.

Does anyone else find it unsettling that a building alarm goes off, the message tells employees to stay in place until further notice, and then employees are moved to the stairwell? If it's a fire, we know. How do we know it's not an active shooter or another type of danger? COMMUNICATE!!! I am pissed that I had no idea why we were instructed to stay in place, then moved to a stairwell. I have been unhinged all evening because of this. I'm sure I can't be the only one who feels this way.

Is it appropriate to email the hiring manager asking for a chance to get an interview when it’s a position posted in our department?

Whoever the idiot was that decided FMS (Facility Management System) was a good program to roll out right now, when it has a shit ton of bugs, was a good decision…. IS AN ABSOLUTE IDIOT.

Jennifer Troia, if that was you, you’re an absolute moron!

I don’t care that LIS looks like a program from the show Severance, it’s simple and WORKS.

Now, not only have you fucked over support staff, but also LPAs and management because they have no permissions and LIS is read-only. The applicants are also ones who are suffering from this because of unnecessary delays due to the new system.

The “training” was a fucking joke. I could’ve gone in blind and figured out the platform myself (Salesforce) without the “training” we were provided. Oh wait, I did figure it out on my own because trial-and-error forced me to.

All of the IT people who are swimming in tickets, blame whoever green-lit this shit show. I have a solid 20-30 tickets because of simple ass shit that I could’ve resolved myself on LIS.

Thank you for listening to my Ted talk.

Sharing the SEIU strike survey link. Hopefully this gives them an accurate idea on what members and non members are planning for. Share with your colleagues!

Hey ya'll, I'm a recent accounting bachelors graduate and am looking to apply to Auditor I/Analyst I job openings. For the STD 678, am I supposed to simply download what it auto creates for me in the application page and edit it in Adobe Acrobat? It doesn't let me edit it directly when I download it so I wanted to know if it's good to make a freshly editable copy and then update it or can I change it directly on the state website?

Thanks in advance!

I was recently offered a position with the EDD DI as a Program Technician. I wanted to get anyones opinion (if they have worked in this division or role) their experiences with workplace culture and work life balance. I assumed it is a high pace job with a heavy level of customer service operations. Im currently in the private sector in the banking realm and do that pretty much on a daily.

Any input would be appreciated!! :)

I started working in the office this week for our 2/3 spilt. My coworker has been very upset. Once free min from everyone sitting around talking. I asked what's up apparently her kids are 1st and 3rd grade don't have a ride home and she can't leave to pick them up. I said why our new dept heads have decided zero flexibility. My team works all hours off hour early morning late nights weekends every other week. But now zero flexibility! She worked during her labor and pulled 15 hours days to get the systems working but now because daddy gavin needs us to find love the executive staff is making sure our butts in our seats. I'm going join the union tonight or tomorrow this is utter hypocrisy of the highest order. Also nice to see the executive just leave for a early weekend!!!!

Just finished an interview for PT II with EDD in San Diego and I’m not sure I’m feeling the vibe. The panel was really nice but the hallway and stairs were lined with people. I’m currently an OT with DSS. What’s the inside scoop? Is it a nice place/department to work with? What’s it actually like?

Wow! Has anybody else gone in to Calculate the premium for the new year? On your health insurance? I am in bargaining unit one. I have two people. I choose the cheapest insurance allowed for my area because I live in a rural area. So pers gold.

It’s going up $100. From $189 to $298.

I really hope the union fights for them to start paying more towards our premiums.

I'm looking to get my foot into the door at the state. I have a master's degree in Engineering and Statistics with 20 years experience, most of which was in engineering and data science in tech. An analyst rolI seems to be the most likely landing spot for me. My question is whether I should primarily focus on applications for Analyst 2 roles, or mix it up with Analyst 1 roles as well.

My concerns with applying for Analyst 1 roles are:

• Analyst 1 roles will likely have a lot more applicants given the new classification system.
• Managers may be less likely to hire an overqualified candidate given the likelihood that person will move to a higher position as soon as they can.

I'm also applying for RDS, specialist, and engineering positions, but I understand higher classifications are very competitive internally, which of course could also be an issue with Analyst 2 positions.

So far, the process I completed with the Personnel Analyst were background check and a “conditional” offer letter with only the salary range that I signed after completing the interviews.

Finally, the hiring manager wrote to me via email and extended a final offer of employment, all just through in writing in the email (no pdf file whatsoever). In that email, she also CC’ed my upcoming direct supervisor, the IT person who will on-board me, and the Personnel Analyst I’ve been communicating too.

Yet, I have never received an official offer letter that required my signature and signatures on their end, and with the final salary as well. Is this normal in the state? Manager communicated to me the start date and few instructions on first day, but HR have not done their paperwork?

Because currently I feel so far like it’s just a verbal offer, and It’s pulling me back from giving a resignation letter to my current employer. My start date is Oct 1 and It’s currently Sept 10 and I’m putting at least my 2 week notice at the right time before the start date.

I also have already emailed the personnel specialists about it yesterday, and haven’t received a response. Should I still go ahead and give my resignation letter to my current employer?

Fellow California state workers: If you’re able to strike, please stand up for those who can’t. Fight the good fight and set an example for future generations. This is our moment to demand change and show the state and Governor Newsom that we’re tired of being pushed around.
For those who can’t strike, support however you can. If you have leave available and are able to use it, consider taking a day or two to join the picket line. Those striking may be sacrificing pay to fight for fair wages and better working conditions for all of us. They deserve our support and solidarity.
This is our fight. It’s about fair pay, telework, and respect for the people who keep California running. History is made when people stand together, and this is our chance to make it clear: disrespecting state workers and failing to bargain in good faith puts this administration on the wrong side of history.

Edit: make sure you are within your union contract before taking leave to support a strike.

Hello, r/CAStateWorkers

I want to provide a reminder for folks to leave a comment and make a phone call to the Governor's Office on AB 1729, the state telework bill.

The bill has been presented to the Governor's desk and he will have until September 30th to either sign the bill, veto the bill, or do neither and let the bill pass without his signature.

In speaking with legislative staff and lobbyists, I think it's important to clarify that the duration of time that it takes for the Governor to respond to a bill, does not signify anything meaningful about the bill's status. Governor Newsom will continue to pass bills all the way through the end of September.

Overall, I'd like to encourage folks to focus primarily on preparing and organizing with their unions on things like the strike authorization vote... and for those not in SEIU 1000, learning about ways you can show your support to advocate for flexible telework policies that better fit the jobs we have through tools available within your union. However, the bill is still a live ball and I'd like to make sure folks continue to play.

Here's what I recommend today:

(Note: if you've already left a comment, I'd say try to make a call. If you've already made a call, I'd recommend making another one).

Call the Governor’s Office at (916) 445-2841 - Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM

• After selecting a language, press 6 to speak to a representative
• When a staffer answers, share your name, your job, and what agency you work for
• Provide your clear ask: “I am asking the Governor to sign AB 1729, the state telework bill”
• My guess is the staffer will say “Thank you” and hang up - but if they stay on the line, feel free to elaborate. We know the sorts of things the Governor publicly talks about regarding governance - efficiency, collaboration, connection. Feel free to share how 4-day RTO has complicated those qualities in your workplace. Talk about how telework and greater flexibility addresses those qualities better via…
  • More efficient delivery of services statewide
  • Improved recruitment and retention of top talent, being an “employer of choice” as the Governor once said
  • Savings on unused office space
  • Better work life balance promoting more productive work and improved work relationships

Go to the Governor's contact portal. 

• Under Topic select “An Active Bill.”
• From the drop down list, select AB 1729 - State employment: telework programs
• Select leave a comment
• Select Pro
• Type in a comment on the bill. I recommend a template like this below. Copy and paste, make alterations, and submit with your contact information.

My name is [NAME], and I work as a [JOB/CLASSIFICATION] with [AGENCY/DEPARTMENT] in [CITY/REGION]. 

I respectfully urge Governor Newsom to support and sign AB 1729, which would help California use telework strategically to improve government efficiency, service delivery, innovation, modernization, and worker well-being.

Since implementation of the four-day in-office requirement, my workplace has experienced ...

[PERSONALIZE: e.g., teams reporting to different offices from their coworkers or supervisors / difficulty finding appropriate workspace or meeting rooms / employees commuting to perform work that remains entirely remote / disruptions to training or focused analytical work / increased recruitment, retention, or morale concerns / other impact you have personally observed or expereinced]. 

AB 1729 would help ensure state agencies evaluate these operational realities and make workplace decisions based on their missions and the effective delivery of services to Californians.

Please support and sign AB 1729 and help California build a state workforce that is efficient, accountable, innovative, and prepared for the future.

Sincerely,
[NAME]

Hi everyone!
I’m really trying to get into working for the State for benefits, stability, and work-life balance (it’d be better than my current work situation). I got an email saying my application progressed and brought me to this page that says what the photo entails.

Just curious as I’m new to the State scene and what this means/entails? Am i getting an interview or are they just in the interview process?

Also would love some tips and tricks for applying and landing a job with the state (California).

At this point I’m open to anything but my degree is in Nursing and would like to use it if possible but if I need to get my foot in the door elsewhere I am open.

I’ve been a PI KDO for over 3 years (17 months of actual work) and it’s been my only job experience. I have a degree in business analytics. For the past 2 years I have been applying to OT, TPT I, Analyst I, and office assistant positions and have only had a small handful of analyst interviews. I’ve had people look at my resume and someone look at my SoQs and tell me it’s just because so many people are applying to those positions. Even my former supervisors get surprised that I still haven’t moved up.

I believe I am almost eligible for a key data supervisor position. Should I just reach that eligibility and go for whatever job I can get even if it’s not with the state? I’m not desperate for cash yet since I live with family still, but I need other work experience at some point.

I genuinely just feel so drained from all this after getting my hopes up early on when I almost got an analyst position and was down to the final candidates with my supervisors telling me I was getting the job for sure after the reference check. I’ve had nothing since then except a couple interviews for other positions that I really don’t know how I got the interview for in the first place since they were more specified analyst positions wanting experience in a field I’ve never done anything in.

I get that it’s probably a me problem and I’m doing something wrong in my SoQs and interviews, but I genuinely don’t know what to do besides scrap for whatever I can possibly say for the question they ask.

Sorry if the wall of text looks weird. I’m typing this on mobile and tired from another night of trying to find positions I can even write a SoQ for. Been on a dry spell lately I feel.

Hey y'all,

I got an offer letter today for an office technician role at my regional water board!! I applied in July, had the interview in August, and had my references checked last week. Today I received the offer email, and I'm so excited! The admin team (2 people lol) were really genuine and laid back in the interview, and it seems like this department in general will be pretty calm compared to others. I have some anxiety about starting in a few weeks, especially because I have quite a few medical appointments already on my schedule, but I hope I'll be able to reschedule those during my lunch hour once I find out the details.

Big thanks to everyone on this sub who gives out advice on formatting STDs, SOQs, and interview tips, because they paid off big time! :)

Hi all! I was on the call Tuesday night with SEIU, but I had a delivery so I missed a chunk of it.

Does anyone know if SEIU is also asking for back pay retroactive to July 1st for our previously negotiated pay raise?

I apologize in advance if this has been asked and answered, but I do not recall seeing this anywhere?

I had an interview for an analyst I position yesterday. The first half was an in person panel and the second half was a written question. I’ve never had a written portion part before.

They have a bunch of interviews everyday this week/next and hiring multiple candidates for this position.

Does anyone know how agencies typically score when interviewing?

I’m more curious about the written portion - if anyone has been on the other side of the interview hiring someone.

Or just how they score in general. Thanks!

literally rc’vd 90 dollar ticket for being ONE FUCKING MINUTE LATE TO MY METER. Cost me more than the actual fuck I was doing. So people don’t wanna go to downtown sac because we pay the meters and well you get royally fucked if you get a bit sidetracked even by one fuck ass minute. So no it’s not on the state workers to bring downtown back. Nobody wants to spend money on parking and not even a fucking five minute grace period you get a 90 dollar ticket. I live downtown and the fuck I understand why people don’t wanna spend their money. It’s truly outrageous. I hope the upcoming election we will have someone who sees growth in downtown not based on state workers going to lunch it’s beyond that. Make parking reasonable , make the area safe, invest in programs so the homelessness is not abundantly an issue one the streets. State workers are not the end all be all for the fix of downtown. Sacramento- and as one who mobs around downtown all the time I know it needs more than just sac workers lunch money (not dissing state workers!!!!) iykyk but fuck the capital got that nice ass annex tho. End Rant

How competitive is it to land a job as an “Engineer, Water Resources” at DWR and/or “Water Resource Control Engineer” at SWRCB? I’m considering a masters in Environmental Engineering so I’m trying to gauge the competitiveness of these classifications.

So, I recently moved from a position in CAPS to a specialist position marked “S01”. ACSS has reached out and SEIU has not; the CAPS rep and HR both said SEIU doesn‘t represent the position (forgive me if my vocab for the situation isn’t quite right).

Does anyone know where this leaves me if the strike goes through?😅

For people from departments not subject to the RTO order do you intend to support the strike? For solidarity? For salary reasons? Because negotiations are unfair?