Pursuant to the new collective bargaining agreement, CalHR is obligated to implement a new travel and per diem system based on rates established by the federal General Services Administration (GSA).  Although, during negotiations  CSLEA pressed CalHR to commit to an effective date of the GSA-based rates (or a temporary increase equivalent to the GSA-based rates), CalHR would not commit to any bargaining unit beyond general language which required the new rates to be implemented at some point during the term of the agreement.  Yesterday, CalHR announced it was implementing interim increases in the travel and per diem rates effective January 2024 while it continues its work on the GSA-based system.  Attached below is the memorandum CalHR issued specifying the rates for excluded employees. The Unit 7 rates will mirror those contained in the memorandum.  The per diem rates are equivalent to the current GSA-based rates. There are some discrepancies between the interim lodging and the current GSA-based rates that CSLEA has sought clarification on with CalHR.  The rates are prospective and will not apply to expenses incurred prior to January 1, 2024.