The following questions were submitted in chat during the August 19 Chapter 262 General Chapter Meeting. All questions were included and answered below. If you have any further questions or want to discuss any issues, please contact any of the Chapter 262 Executive Board members listed at the end of this announcement.
Question #1
I would like to know is anyone doing anything for when we do have to return? I have been back for short periods and nothing looks like it’s been touched in my building. For example, Will they have partitions? Less seats in classes? Who is on the team again?
Answer
Yes, the Chapter Executive Board is monitoring the District’s plans for return to work and negotiating when necessary. The campus has been closed to everyone except the few employees whose work is critical and cannot be done remotely. These are covered by the Telecommuting Agreement. As for changes to work areas, like partitions, nothing has been done yet because we are not back to work on campus. Chairs are not an issue since there will only be a few classes on campus in the Fall, and only one classified employee working in that class. If any issues or concerns do come to your attention, please contact the Executive Board so these concerns can be addressed.
Question #2
Who do we contact with any specific needs for the return agreement?
Answer
If “specific needs” refer to you as an employee individually, then you should contact Chief Steward Liz Jauregui. If you have suggestions about a “Return to Work” agreement, you can forward them to the Chapter President Robert Stubbe.
Question #3
My manager is telling me that at some point we will no longer be able to earn comp time for returning to campus. When will this happen?
Answer
Your manager is misinformed. No one is earning “comp” time or overtime. As per the Telecommute Agreement, if you are called back to work on campus, you are earning the “callback” time as described in Article 10.10 of the contract. This will end when the District and CSEA 262 reach agreement to end it and/or replace the Telecommute Agreement with another.
Question #4
What, if any, PPE gear will the college supply for staff when we return to campus?
Answer
Any PPE gear that is required for the work you do as defined in the LA County Health Department Guidelines (here is the link to that information) and negotiated with CSEA 262 will be provided. No CSEA 262 unit member should be providing or paying for his or her own PPE. Managers cannot refuse your coming to work if you do not have your PPE. If this happens or has happened to you, please contact Chief Steward Liz Jauregui or Chapter President Robert Stubbe.
Question #5
I'm not clear on what the $400K will be used for? Is this for salaries or union business? Is there a timeline for its use?
Answer
The $400,000 is a one-time payment to CSEA 262 for college business. The Chapter 262 Executive Board and Negotiating Team agreed to apply it as one-time payment to unit members, based on percentage of employment, for the transition to telecommuting. All classified professionals in Unit A (we are “Unit A”) will receive a check or direct deposit for this amount. The money is to do with as you wish. Like all cash in hand, the “time limit” is for however long it takes you to spend the money. There is no expiration date.
Question #6
If I need a printer or supplies for home is that covered?
Answer
The District has agreed to purchase some required and necessary office supplies that are not available due to the closed campus and that are not for “personal” use. You must make a request to your immediate manager. Approval and other information will come from your immediate manager. Please do not purchase ANYTHING without your immediate manager’s approval. If you do, you will not be reimbursed.
Question #7
Which email should we send the questions to?
Answer
Send to any Executive Board members (links are below).
Question #8
We need some clarification on getting supplies/desks/chairs for working at home. We were told that the college would not pay for any of that. That the CARES funding was only for faculty and instruction purposes.
Answer
Good question. Bad answer (why we don’t listen to the rumor mill!). If you need supplies, contact your immediate manager and discuss your needs with him or her. Your manager must give you approval and will instruct you how to purchase the supplies. For desks/chairs or any equipment, you will need to contact Nerissa Uiagalelei (nuiagalelei@mtsac.edu) in Human Resources and ask for an accommodations meeting. You may request CSEA 262 union steward representation for this meeting by contacting Chief Steward Liz Jauregui. CARES Act funding is available for any District need related to COVID-19. Half of the fund Mt. SAC received was required to go to students, which was done.
Question #9
I was told if you needed a chair, you could go to campus and bring your chair home, with your manager's permission.
Answer
This is correct. If you need your office chair, computer, or anything at your work area, you MUST get approval from your manager. If approved, you need to contact Campus Safety and tell them where on campus you will be and on what day and time. You also need to wear a mask (one will be provided if you ask Campus Safety when you contact them). You will NOT be paid the call-back time for picking up office equipment/supplies — only if you are called back to campus to work.
Question #10
Are there COVID-19 trainings we need to complete before returning to campus?
Answer
Yes. The LA County Health Department guidelines require minimum training. Human Resources and POD are setting up that training through POD and will be announced to all who return to campus to work. You do not need to take the training unless and until you return to campus to work.
Question #11
Can you provide a link to proposed Prop 15? Will it dismantle Prop 13 protections for senior citizen homeowners?
Answer
Information on Prop 15 can be found on many web sites. A generally neutral and fairly comprehensive yet relatively short explanation can be found by following this link. Prop 15 applies only to commercial and industrial properties.