The DMV JLMC meeting on June 25, 2025, brought together representatives from SEIU Local 1000 and DMV Labor Relations to discuss key issues affecting DMV offices and employees. This update is intended to keep members informed and aligned on current priorities and upcoming changes.
Meeting Highlights
- Virtual Field Office (VFO) usage insights
- DSO updates and statewide platform developments
- Clarification on Leadership Development Academy (LDA) application concerns
- Email access
- Statewide processes for FMLA, payroll audits, and vacation requests
Virtual Field Offices (VFOs) & Staffing Trends
The digital platform (DXP) is expanding. While no firm timeline was provided, the department confirmed that more transitions to virtual services are expected and that VFOs are here to stay.
Closures: 6 full closures and 30 partial-day closures in the past 6 months.
Our Mission: We are demanding that the State uphold its responsibility to the public by preserving in-person services, creating real pathways for upward mobility, and maintaining transparent, consistent communication with the union and all represented employees.
DSO & Super Hub Concerns
In Driver Safety, Spanish-speaking staff are expected to handle both phone and Super Hub duties, unlike their English-speaking counterparts. The department states that bilingual staff are assigned to the Spanish queue due to bilingual pay, and their workload has been adjusted (e.g., fewer scans).
Action: If your workload has not been adjusted, notify your manager and call the Member Resource Center (MRC) at 866-471-7348.
DMV U & LDA Program Confusion
In our March update, we reported:
“Training opportunities available through DMV University have been restricted by management.”
Clarification: Management later corrected this directive, but the update did not reach all members in time. Conflicting messages from management and DMV U led one employee to pause their application, which was later rejected. Labor Relations has since clarified the issue with regional managers, apologized, and confirmed that the exclusion was unintentional.
Recommendation: Follow up with DMV U to ensure future communications are clear and consistent.
Communication & Email Access
Members report difficulty checking emails due to workload. Labor Relations claim they have not received complaints.
Important: Emails are the only way to receive notices about Accounts Receivable (AR) money owed to the state due to overpayment. If you miss these, deductions may be taken from your paycheck without warning.
Action: If you’re denied time to check email, report it to the MRC at 866-471-7348.
Payroll Audits & Back Pay
Payroll issues have caused both over and underpayments.
What to Track: Pay increases, step increases, stipends, time off, and payroll accuracy.
Access Paystubs: www.connect.sco.ca.gov
Ask management for clarification—many items (e.g., bilingual pay, geo pay, differentials) are lumped into your base salary.
FMLA, RA, and Annual Recertification
Some members recently discovered that their FMLA and Reasonable Accommodation (RA) approvals were not formally documented and therefore were not transferrable when their home offices temporarily closed. The new office needed documentation, which was not current in their prior office.
Reminder: Informal approvals may not carry over. Ensure your FMLA and RA are properly documented and current. Check with your manager or personnel officer.
Annual Vacation Requests
October is approaching, and with it, the annual vacation request process. We are working with the department to establish a statewide policy.
Key Point: Some managers incorrectly tell employees they must have accrued hours at the time of request. This is false.
You can request time off using projected accruals. However, if you don’t have enough hours at the time of vacation, it will be canceled.
Protect Your Job. Protect Your Future
Non-union workers are the first to go when automation hits or budgets get slashed. Though we are going through very difficult times our union preserved your jobs and paycheck. Take note of your July paystub and September paystub and compare your net earnings. Union Jobs mean security, voice and power. But that protection only holds if we stay strong, and that means you.
Here’s what you need to do now:
- Build membership. Every new member makes us stronger! If you or someone you know is not yet a member – Member UP!
- Contribute to COPE. Political power protects our contract.
- Get active. Show up. Speak out. Stand together.
This is your job. Your union. Your fight. Let’s win it
Bargaining Unit 4 Updates Here