State to gut domestic violence protections

DPA proposal would end language for telecommuters

Updated 4:45 p.m., July 23
The state is proposing to eliminate contract protections for victims of domestic violence, and delete telecommuting options.
 
Department of Personnel Administration negotiators, who are refusing to address our economic issues until the Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger agree on the budget, presenting language to weaken non-economic protections for our Medical and Social Services Specialists (Unit 20).

The state told our bargaining team that contract language giving time off to victims of domestic violence is unnecessary. The Department of Personnel Administration is also trying to remove contract language encouraging workers to telecommute and protecting those who already do. This comes just after the governor has gone on record encouraging flexible work options.

“These proposals don’t cost the state any money,” said Sandy Dressel, a licensed vocational nurse at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi. “The state is just sending a message that they don’t care about our members who are victimized. We believe that it’s important to remind people of the law. The Legislature can change the law anytime but if it’s in the contract, it has to be bargained out.”   

Our team also proposed language to require a mandatory safety orientation class within 60 days instead of the current three months.

“This is a priority for our members, especially those who work in prisons,” said team Chair Rionna Jones