DCSS: Work Shift Alternative Policy

UPE met with DCSS management and Labor Relations on July 2, 2024, to discuss revisions to the Work Shift Alternative (WSA) policies. As mentioned in the previous flyer, several years prior to the September 4, 2013, revision of this policy, the department had stopped offering the 4/10 schedule as an alternative work schedule for employees. The negotiations focused on updating the policy to improve flexibility for members regarding the 9/80 and 4/10 schedules now being offered for eligible employees.

 

UPE successfully negotiated for members to have RDO options on weekdays other than Friday, such as Wednesday or Thursday, enhancing flexibility within the WSA schedule. The Sacramento County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) may offer multiple workweek schedules to staff; they are the 5/40 schedule, 4/10 schedule, and 9/80 schedule. The department will conduct a review of all staff schedules upon policy implementation, using a seniority process to determine the order in which available schedules are offered. The county has already begun implementing this policy as of October. Notably, this flyer was sent out later than planned as outstanding issues had to be resolved after the meet and confer.

 

During negotiations, UPE continued to raise the matter of the department establishing eligibility criteria for qualifying for a WSA. UPE expressed concerns about the extent of management's discretion in evaluating whether employees meet these criteria and the period before an employee can reapply if denied. UPE fought hard against the six-month timeframe from when a member is denied or revoked a WSA to when they could reapply. However, management felt six months was an appropriate amount of time. Management reassured UPE on these matters and that no denial of a WSA would be done in an arbitrary or capricious manner.

 

Work Shift Alternatives and different Regular Days Off (RDOs) will greatly benefit members by providing much-needed flexibility in managing personal and professional commitments. By offering different schedules and RDOs, employees can choose the one that best fits their needs.

 

 

UPE would like to thank 005 Governing Board members,

Sylvia Garcia, and Jennifer Avalo for their advocacy and participation.

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONG!