Notice received on the Updated Telework Policy
SEIU Local 1000 / DSS Meet and Confer Update

On Tuesday, August 23, 2022, SEIU Local 1000 held a meet and confer with the Department of Social Services (DSS) regarding the notice received on the Updated Telework Policy.

We used this meeting to address concerns that the telework stipend form is one pretext towards eroding Bargaining Unit 21 Fair Labor Standards Act-exempt (FLSA-exempt) status and the provisions we have in our Contract (Articles 19.19.21 and 19.19.21(a)).

While we got commitment that the Telework Policy and STD-200 Form does not supersede contract language (even as we enter “core work hours” on the form), we must be vigilant in protecting our contractual rights. Also, we lifted our concerns regarding the Child Care Development Division (CCDD) Expectations Memo, which was originally brought to us as related to the telework policy. However, Department of Social Services Labor Relations pushed back that it was a separate matter. Therefore, we will be pursuing all avenues to continue the conversation regarding the Expectations Memo.

We encourage our impacted employees to inform us of any additional concerns they have related to the Updated Telework Policy and the status of Bargaining Unit 21’s FLSA-exempt status. To do so, please contact the SEIU Local 1000 Member Resource Center (MRC) at 866.471.SEIU (7348). You can also reach out to your respective bargaining unit leadership by emailing unit21@seiu1000.org