The DMV Joint Labor Management Committee (JLMC) meeting on March 14, 2025, brought together representatives from SEIU Local 1000 and the State to discuss various issues affecting DMV offices and employees. We discussed the following topics:
- Unmanageable Workload
- Virtual Field Office (VFO)
- Payroll issues
- Training
- State Budget
Unmanageable Workload Amid AI Integration and Staffing Issues:
Challenges with Driver Safety MVR’s CMS caseload, including additional tasks managed by AI ABBYY, were addressed. Issues with multi-tasking phone assignments, emails, and constant changes in priorities and directives were highlighted, pointing out a lack of clear communication.
“You can be at the front counter, opening mail, putting things in the system, and giving tasks to coworkers, all while managing the new scanner at the front desk,” ~Driver Safety MVR
Three Driver Safety offices have recently been tasked with processing mail from sixteen driver safety offices, raising concerns about managing such a large volume of mail with limited resources. The implementation of a hub system, intended to streamline tasks by assigning specific jobs to staff on a rotating basis, has not been put into practice, leaving employees to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Virtual Field Office (VFO):
VFO aims to transition transactions from physical field offices to a virtual environment. Six offices have been closed in the past six months and several offices have been consolidated. Nobody has been laid off, however there are Motor Vehicle Representatives being transferred from Driver Safety to Field Offices.
We have requested detailed information and comprehensive data to evaluate the effect of VFO. Specifically related to the 20 Office Pilot (hybrid virtual and 2/3 days open to the public) the impact of the four transactions no longer being processed in person, and the closure of the Laguna Hills Field Office. Most DMV business can be started and or completed online without visiting a DMV office. There are currently Forty-two transactions that can be processed online. VFO is present in all divisions of DMV (Contact Centers, Headquarters, Industry Business Centers, Occupational Licensing, Field Offices) Since the inception of VFO, a substantial number of transactions have been processed virtually, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness and efficiency. The department has confirmed that VFO is here to stay.
Leave Credits and Vacation Planning:
Concerns were raised about the calculation of leave credits for vacation requests. The team noted that some of our represented employees are being told that vacation approvals are based on leave credits calculated at the time of request rather than the projected leaves at the time of vacation. A clear message in the vacation request memo for 2026 vacation planning was emphasized, and the state took note.
Accounts Receivable and Paycheck Issues:
The need for additional notifications regarding accounts receivable was discussed. Currently, an email is sent with a 15-day response window for repayment options. However, field offices often lack the opportunity to check emails regularly. The state informed us that employees are entitled to a reasonable amount of time to view emails, which can be requested from the office manager. The state is investigating why backup notifications from management are not being sent and will provide an update. Additionally, an update was requested on the ongoing paycheck issues for PIs in Southern California, which have persisted for over a year, and an official audit has been requested.
Training:
Training opportunities available through DMV University have been restricted by management. Initially, employees were told they could sign up online but later informed that names must be submitted to the region for approval, causing confusion and frustration among staff seeking upward mobility and professional development.
State Budget Issues:
The State addressed concerns about office closures and budget constraints, emphasizing efforts to keep employees gainfully employed despite the challenging climate. With the REAL ID deadline quickly approaching on May 7, 2025, the department is doing everything they can to serve the public.
“We were mandated to reduce 200 positions to give back to the governor. We might not have the option to get more bodies for the work,” ~DMV Labor Relations
Next DMV JLMC:
The meeting concluded with a commitment to addressing these issues and improving communication and processes within DMV offices. The next JLMC meeting is scheduled for June 11th, where these issues will be further discussed in hopes of finding solutions to mitigate the workload and improve working conditions for DMV employees.