Just 2 more days until the strike vote closes. At this point, I think so many of us are simply exhausted and ready for some kind of resolution.
I really hope this nightmare comes to an end soon and we can get back to working in peace, with a healthy work-life balance. The 4-day RTO has taken such a toll on so many people, mentally, physically, and financially.
We deserve to be heard, to have a reasonable work-life balance, and to earn a fair wage that allows us to actually afford to live. We just want to do our jobs without sacrificing our well-being, our families, and our lives outside of work.
Hoping these next two days bring us closer to a fair resolution for everyone.

First off, let me say I have empathy for those struggling financially right now. Prices are skyrocketing and wages are stagnant and each month I see my savings account shrink and shrink. I don’t think it’ll ever recover. And I know how fortunate I am that I even had one to begin with.

But not striking because you can’t take the financial hit, is the most short-sighted thinking possible. And it’s exactly what the state wants.

It’s union-busting 101. They know the strike will hurt us. They are betting it’ll hurt us more than it’ll hurt them.

If you think losing a few days salary, maybe a week, now would hurt? Think about how much zero percent raises, 5 days a week RTO, will hurt you over the next three years? Because, trust me, it’s going to hurt a lot more than the strike. This is simple math people!!

Members:
Vote for the strike, commit to striking.

Non-Members:
Join the union, or at least you can still sign the commitment to strike!!

Remember, this was never going to be easy. It’s about standing strong.

Rode into work today to find all the outlets in our underground parking garage/bike storage area securely covered, along with this notice.

I looked up the codes cited and only CFC Section 322 really applies to this situation. Even so, listed at the top of the section is an Exception that states, “Charging of a single powered mobility device in any occupancy by its owner.”

I interpreted that as we can charge our own scooters freely? The shitty part is my scooter doesn’t have enough range for my round trip commute. I can’t get home if I can’t charge at the office.

Has anyone else seen this notice at their buildings? Any advice on how to push back on this? I love that in addition to mandating performative office attendance, they continue to make it more difficult (and expensive) to actually get to work.

Fun fact, I’m typing this in the parking garage next to all our executive’s EV cars getting charged up for free. Trying hard not to feel jaded.

I’m considering seeking out an ADA attorney. Mine hasn’t been denied yet but writing is on the wall. Anyone else who’s been denied interested in a class action?

I been at the state now for a couple of years. I started out at EDD as a DIPR then transferred to MMO mail machine operator. I’m trying to move up because I passed Analyst I exam (also have college degree) applied to numerous analyst I roles but so far no luck in getting interviews…..I thought being an actual state employee made it easier to move around WITHIN the state??? I really want to move up because things are just so expensive now. Everything’s has gone up from rent, gas , food you name it, I feel incredibly squeezed . I’d like to have an analyst I job to at least make finances a little better. I don’t know what else to do. I’m also not going back to private sector . Fuck private and the crappy health insurance. I just don’t know what to do anymore. I’m losing my mind.

CalTrans sent out this email with a reservation on every employee’s calendar asking us to update our disability status. They’re directing us to claim a disability for things such as: “needs glasses to read or drive, difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions due to a condition.” Is it true that needing reading glasses counts as a disability? It seems like there should be separate categories in which to evaluate criteria against, because I would assume someone who is blind or in a wheelchair has much greater challenges than someone who needs reading glasses and to combine all of these into one percentage to demonstrate “diversity”, you get results that aren’t really meeting the intent of the original policy IMHO. And, besides, when it comes to accommodations for these lesser impacted disabilities, it’s delay, deflect, deny, etc.

“Current data from CalHR shows the percentage of Caltrans employees with a disability is well below the expected number for a diverse workforce such as ours. This could be caused by incomplete or inaccurate data related to who in our organization has a disability (needs glasses to read or drive, difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions due to a condition, etc.) To ensure we have an accurate understanding of our workforce, we are asking EVERY employee to complete the survey. Below are links to more information.

The survey itself takes just a few minutes to complete. Please use this link to view the Chief Deputy Director’s video. Please use this link to view the Change in Disability Status training. Please use this link to complete the Change in Disability Status survey.”

I’m trying to decide between DeltaCare USA and Delta Dental PPO Standard/Essential and would appreciate advice from anyone who has experience with these plans.

My wife needs 1 dental implant and some fillings, and I may need a few fillings for cavities/sensitivity.

DeltaCare USA website says for 2027 implants and cone beam imaging are covered, while PPO Standard shows implants covered at 50%. PPO Standard would cost me $23.87/month.

For those who have used these plans, which would you recommend for my situation? Is DeltaCare USA actually better for an implant, or would PPO Standard be worth the higher premium?

Thanks!

My partner is currently pursuing a BS in Biological Sciences with an emphasis on Ecology, and has a specific interest in CDFW. My experience is only as an Engineer with the State Water Board and I was curious as to the "competitive level" that I hear about CDFW ES positions. Are MS/PhD's common at the line staff level? Is one needed to really have a chance at these positions? Does CDFW get more applicants than other departments?

Curious as to the experience you guys have had, thanks!

Hi everyone! I am currently typing out my responses for the HPS exam and would really like any advice when completing it. I have been putting it off for such a long time because of how extensive the prompts are. I feel as though a lot of the questions are repetitive and I’m stating and giving the same few example.

Is it okay if the answers are repetitive? Will that impact scoring and how would you suggest answering so each answer stands out?

To be Fair, it was a horrible mistake on my part. I cant even highlight where things went wrong, but as I was reviewing my application submission, i noticed that I accidentally uploaded the WRONG SOQ which was meant for a different position.

What are my options? Can I email or call HR and request to be able to send the correct SOQ version? or is it too late? ( i want to atleast try something since I really really dont want to miss out on this)

Application Filing Deadline has passed.

Would really appreciate any advice on this matter. Thank you.

Hey all,

I recently (3 weeks ago) started as an Analyst I at EDD. I'm noticing there's very little formal training, and the scope of work is huge for how small our team is. I'm doing my best to learn on the fly, but I'm worried about probation.

For those who've been in a similar spot:
- How did you get up to speed without much training? Did you ask for a desk manual, shadow someone, request an IDP, or just figure it out as you went?
- How do you handle a big workload as a new person without looking like you're falling behind? Did you push back on scope or ask to prioritize?
- What actually gets people rejected on probation? Anything you wish you'd known early?

For context, this is my first real office job, and I'm extremely nervous. From what I've read online, it feels like getting rejected on probation would follow me forever and I'd never get another state job. Is that actually true, or am I overthinking it? Any reassurance or reality check would really help. Any EDD-specific tips are appreciated too. Thanks!

I have an interview for this DISABILITY EVALUATION ANALYST position on Wednesday and I want to know what should I expect? I am currently working as an MVR but would like to get this position since it has more potential growth. As I was setting up the time for the interview the person who I was speaking to asked if I had a BA which I stated that I did. Could it be that I would be pushed to range C or is it just to know if I do?

Interesting article on ‘open space’ offices

Hi guys!

Im starting a new analyst position with peace officer selection and training unit CDCR in 2 months or so. What can I expect? Just feeling a bit nervous.

I will be commuting from the Roseville direction to N St CalTrans building. Recommendations do I attempt to park an SUV downtown vs. Take the Light Rail from Watt and I80 or Roseville Rd?

Our department only allows us to use the standalone Copilot app, with a lot of limitations. We can’t use Copilot directly in Outlook, Word, Excel, or other Microsoft apps, which is frustrating because that’s where it would actually be most useful and save time.

I know many other state departments allow much broader use. I don’t really understand why there’s such a difference between departments or why some IT departments seem to take such a conservative approach when others have already allowed these tools.

Can you share what your department allows when it comes to Copilot or other AI tools? Are you able to use Copilot in Outlook, Word, Excel, etc., or use other AI tools? And if you’re comfortable sharing, what department do you work for. I want tp submit a ticket to our IT and ask why all these departments can and we can’t!

Has anyone found the MetLife Dental evidence of coverage booklets yet? https://benefits.calhr.ca.gov/open-enrollment/virtual-library/dental-bookshelf/ has the Delta Dental ones but I can't find the MetLife ones.

I know there have been a few posts about the dental plans. I didn't see anyone really talking about the Pre-paid plans, and was curious why you would not choose this plan.

When looking at the documents (24 tabs later), it seems that at least I can see exactly what is covered and how much. Metlife has no maximum, but you would have to pick a dentist in that accepts this plan and maybe that is why this one is not chosen. Just trying to navigate this, I have some bug dental work coming up and my kid just got braces.. It is a lot financially.

Can you tell me what you are paying now and the proposed rate for 2027? I may come over from Sacramento County and I am wondering. Thank you.

I have united healthcare which is ending, so I need to switch health plans.

Health Net Salud y Mas covers my existing doctor and medical group. I called my medical group and they say they are accepting it for 2027 as well. I also called health Net and they did say my doctor is on their list of being covered for 2027. He was also covered in 2026 under the same health insurance.

The only issue is when I go to the calpers website to switch my health plan, it asks if I want to select my pcp. I put in his info and it says my doctor is not available under the health Net Salud y MAs plan.

It does say he is available under some other plans like blue shield access plus.

Does anyone know if I should trust the health insurance and my clinic, or I should verify with calpers?

Why would calpers say he’s not available when both the health insurance and medical group say they take that insurance? Is calpers using outdated info?

Anyone run into this issue before?

Does anyone know whether your dependents for health/dental insurance will also be covered by VSP? HR sent me to VSP and VSP sent me to HR 🙃. I’m in BU 1 and exempt.

Environmental studies graduate here applying to the Air Resources Board and California Energy Commission. What's the longest it can take for CalHR to send qualified applications to hiring managers and then for interview invites to get sent out? If it's been more than (say) 3 weeks since the final filing date for a job, should I assume I didn't make it to the interview stage?

I have an interview scheduled for next Monday, Columbus Day, which is a federal holiday. However, it seems the EDD does not treat it as a day off. I understand that private companies might not recognize some holidays to offer employees additional days off during Thanksgiving or Christmas week. Can anyone educate me on why offices remain open on this day?