Coleman Judge Orders DMH Salaries to be Set at 95% of CDCR Rates
On June 28, Judge Karlton ordered salaries at DMH to be increased to 95% of those paid at CDCR. The actual classifications include psychologists, social workers, and rehabilitation therapists.
There are - and will be for some time to come - many unanswered questions about how this order will be implemented. In the coming weeks, we will meet with the state as it prepares a “pay letter” to implement the order. Because this is a court order, we cannot accept or reject it - but we can and will make our voice heard in response.
Like the salary increase ordered by Judge Henderson in the Plata case, which covers medical staff in CDCR, Judge Karlton's order waives many sections of state law governing salary placement. The state will surely use the waivers to its advantage to minimize the financial impact of the order - a penny-pinching evasion that would once again come at the expense of a long-term solution.
WHO’S COVERED
The order does not cover many Local 2620 classifications and does not cover Plata classifications in DMH. Since Plata only covers CDCR, dieticians and pharmacists will not be placed at the 95% level by this order. Nor will any classifications working outside of DMH. Also, the order does not cover Psychologist Consultants working in DMH headquarters. An earlier and completely separate proposal by the state would raise these classifications to a level 82% of the CDCR rate - but, pending resolution of the Karlton order, the Union has not accepted this. Further meetings on the proposal are being held in abeyance pending the development of the pay letter implementing the Karlton order. Click here for a complete listing of the classifications covered as part of the plaintiff’s clarification and exhibits. (PDF)
FIGHTING FOR FULL PARITY
The Union proposal calls for parity for all Coleman and Plata classifications regardless of department. Local 2620 filed for such parity with the Department of Personnel Administration (DPA) to implement Section 19826 of the state Civil Service Code (the "equal pay for equal work" rules). An initial hearing is being scheduled with DPA to pursue our claim.
Regardless of these efforts, many other classifications represented by Local 2620 are not covered by Plata or Coleman orders. Our next major push must involve bringing these salaries to the market rate. We'll continue to fight for parity across all classifications, and we'll keep you posted on the latest developments.
Read the Judge's order (PDF)
Read the classifications covered as part of the plaintiff's clarification and exhibits (PDF)