DHA - ABAWD Meeting 2

Greetings Union Brothers, Sisters, and Friends,

                Your 008 bargaining team met for the second time with the department regarding the re-implementation of ABAWD requirements for CalFresh, due to HR1. Management shared all training materials with us, and we took a deep dive into the content, training structure, and analyzed what would make this more effective for staff.

                Due to the diligence and extensive steps required for workers to handle ABAWD, we made some proposals to management:

1. We proposed a 6-month hold harmless clause that would protect workers from discipline for errors or omissions made directly as a result of these new duties. The County stated they have the authority, at this moment, to grant 90 days. We pushed for 6 months from implementation (June 1st - December 1st).

2. We proposed an extended time allowed for workers to complete intakes and renewals due to this change.

3. We proposed more training sessions and some sort of road show for SDO to conduct at each worksite. We do not believe unit meetings alone are sufficient for quality or consistency across bureaus.

   
   

Management is taking these proposals into consideration and will update us at our next meeting scheduled for April 22nd. Stay tuned.

Special thanks to James Starr, Stephanie McCall, Olivia Brown, and Michelle Moyer for their advocacy.