With the upcoming closure of the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco, Bargaining Unit 15 has secured two important side letter agreements with the State of California to support impacted members.
General Voluntary Transfer Process
The first agreement outlines a general Voluntary Transfer Process (VTP) for all affected employees. This process allows eligible staff to voluntarily transfer to other CDCR institutions or offices, helping maintain employment and benefits during the transition. Employees will receive VTP worksheets to indicate interest in available positions across CDCR locations.
Special Side Letter for Correctional Supervising Cooks
The second agreement is a unique side letter specifically for Correctional Supervising Cooks (CSC – Classification 2183) at CRC. If CSCs are unable to secure a transfer within CDCR through the VTP, they will have the opportunity to transfer into identified positions within California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS), specifically at California Institution for Women (CIW) or California Institution for Men (CIM). This option becomes available only after members first attempt a transfer within CDCR.
To streamline the process, eligible CSCs will receive both CDCR and CCHCS VTP worksheets at the same time, allowing them to express interest in positions across both departments. Work location options include CDCR and CCHCS institutions, headquarters, and regional offices within 50 miles of CRC.
“This is the first time any unit has secured a special side letter for a conversion process that allows CDCR cooks to become CCHCS cooks,” said Eric Murray, Chair of Bargaining Unit 15. “This was the result of advocating and showing the state the importance of allowing these members to be gainfully employed locally.”
Garth Underwood, Vice Chair of Unit 15, shared, “In all my years as a state employee, I’ve never seen the state take action on a special circumstance like this to support Unit 15 employees. This agreement gives our members more options to stay in their classification and continue working locally. It’s a direct result of strong leadership and persistent advocacy.”
Member Perspective
“This agreement gives me peace of mind,” said a Correctional Supervising Cook at CRC who asked to remain anonymous. “Knowing there’s a path to stay employed close to home makes a big difference for me and my family.”
These agreements reflect a major win for Unit 15 and demonstrate the value of strong representation and proactive problem-solving during times of transition.