Gi Shin, an Associate Governmental Program Analyst at the Department of Transportation, discovered that she had not been receiving the correct Geographic Pay Differential (GEO) despite being eligible. After reaching out to payroll and investigating the issue, it became clear that her GEO pay had been overlooked for months—and back pay had not been processed.
With support from SEIU Local 1000, Gi Shin filed a grievance to secure the payments she was owed. Thanks to the union’s advocacy, she received GEO pay for the period from April 2024 to March 2025, and arrangements were made to continue these payments moving forward.
Even more importantly, the union successfully argued for retroactive GEO pay going back to May 2021. On August 28, 2025, CalHR issued a response granting GEO back pay through September 2021. The Department of Transportation is now responsible for ensuring the adjustments are submitted to the State Controller’s Office for processing.
This victory is another example of what happens when members stand together and know their rights. When the State falls short, SEIU Local 1000 steps in—and wins.
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