Greetings, Union brothers and sisters; your 008 bargaining team met with the department regarding the changes to the GA program and the re-assignment of workers to the MA/CF program in the Green group (intake). In addition, former GATE HSSs will also be moving to a Medi-Cal-only unit; both will be effective January 27, 2025. Training was a large part of this negotiation, as the County's idea of adequate training and UPE's are very different. UPE pressed the County to understand that Web Based Trainings and limited in-person trainings would only set up our members for failure, stress, and unnecessary pressure. The County relented and agreed to much more extensive training beyond what they originally proposed.
We also discussed expectations for the four GA intake workers & two "backup" GA workers. The department committed that backup workers will only assist with intakes when absolutely needed due to staffing issues if they arise. They will not be expected to assist with WOD duties despite there only being one designated GA WOD on any given day. UPE proposed that the GA WOD not be forced to process paperwork received in the course of their duties and the department refused this proposal. We implored them to recognize that having only one WOD for GA would be an almost impossible task without processing documents and to expect them to also process documents; there would be no relief for both the worker and the clients waiting to see them. They again double downed on their position.
A second proposal made by UPE insisted that the GA WOD be allowed to work from behind a window to ensure their safety, and while they did not agree to this proposal, they agreed to take it back and see if they could accommodate this request. The department also agreed to a monthly check-in with UPE to ensure workers' concerns and any issues could be addressed. We will continue to communicate with all members as information becomes available. Stay tuned!
We extend our special thanks to board members James Starr, Nichole Gorman, and Stephanie McCall, as well as subject matter expert Keisha Raven, for their attendance and assistance during this negotiation.
On February 17, 2026, UPE met and conferred with representatives from Sacramento County and SCERS regarding updates to the County's policy regarding Retired Annuitants. Retired Annuitants are retired
