Know Your Rights: Highlights of the Recently Signed Telework Agreement

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In April, the SEIU Local 1000 Bargaining Team signed an agreement that governs telework, provides a stipend, and helps our represented employees resolve issues that arise in the workplace.

You can read the complete Side Letter Agreement by clicking this link. Here are some highlights to help you know your rights:

Telework Stipend

Effective January 1, 2022, and payable after the first day of the pay period following ratification, employees who have an approved telework agreement on file with the department shall receive a telework stipend as provided below:

  • Employees identified as Remote Centered with an approved telework agreement shall receive $50 per month.
  • Employees identified as Office Centered with an approved telework agreement shall receive $25 per month.
  • Incidental telework does not qualify for this stipend. The approved telework agreement must designate the employee’s telework status as either Remote Centered or Office Centered.

The employee’s approved telework status as of the first day of the pay period shall determine the payment amount for the entire pay period. However, if the employee’s approved telework status changes during the month from Office Centered to Remote Centered, then the employee shall receive the amount for Remote Centered status only.

Telework Agreements

Employees’ telework agreements shall not be permanently modified by the State without adequate prior notice. The State shall endeavor to provide at least 30 calendar days’ notice, but no less than 15 calendar days’ notice to employees when permanently terminating or permanently modifying a Telework Agreement. This advance notice is not required due to unforeseen operational need or by mutual agreement between the employee and management. Upon request, a copy of the termination or modification will be provided to SEIU Local 1000.

The Telework Stipend Program is grievable through the CalHR level. This program shall not be subject to arbitration. Any decision reached at the CalHR level shall be final.

Telework Joint Labor Management Committee

The State and Union will meet up to four times a year to discuss cross-departmental issues related to the implementation and administration of the Statewide Telework Policy including, but not limited to, equipment, tools, service delivery, and employee cost. Any recommendations from the committee shall be submitted directly to the Deputy Director of Labor Relations.

Are your telework rights being violated? Here’s what you can do:

Contact your workplace Job Steward for knowledge or assistance. You can also contact our Member Resource Center at 866.471.SEIU (7348) for immediate support. The MRC is open for your calls and questions Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Remember, you can read the complete Side Letter Agreement by clicking this link.