On April 19, 2022, the CSLEA Bargaining Team, comprised of President Alan Barcelona, Senior Vice President Tina Brazil, Vice Presidents Kenneth Ehrman and Tom Ineichen,  Chief Counsel Kasey Clark and Senior Counsel Ryan Navarre, met with CalHR via video conference to begin negotiations on the subject of essential worker premium pay.

CSLEA and CalHR discussed the various options for providing such pay to recognize bargaining unit members for the essential services provided during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.  After these discussions, CSLEA drafted a proposal for essential worker premium pay which was passed to CalHR on April 20, 2022.  CalHR acknowledged receipt of the proposal and will be analyzing and determining the estimated cost in implementing the proposal. Given that this analysis will take some time, the scheduled bargaining session for April 26, 2022 has been cancelled and the parties will reschedule another session once CalHR is in a position to respond to CSLEA's proposal.

"CSLEA appreciates the patience our members have exhibited while waiting on the federal regulations to be finalized so that these discussions could commence" said President Barcelona. "CSLEA is hopeful the administration will recognize the essential work performed by the classifications within the protective services and public safety bargaining unit."  

CSLEA will continue to provide updates as new information is available.