Pregnancy Disability To Be Treated As Any Other Disability

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Frequently we have questions regarding employee rights when Pregnancy is an issue.

Under California Law, a maximum of 16 weeks of job-protected leave for disability related to pregnancy is required.  The test for whether a person is disabled by pregnancy is whether or not the pregnancy itself or a related medical condition results in an inability to perform one or more essential functions of the job.

Generally, a person is presumed to be disabled for a period of six (6) weeks following natural childbirth, or eight (8) weeks in circumstances where a cesarean section has been undergone.  Additionally, there may be periods of disability prior to birth.

In all cases, Disability due to pregnancy runs concurrently with FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act Leave (Federal) however not with CFRA (California Family Rights Act) leave, so, in the State of California you are entitled to up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for bonding time after birth once no longer disabled.

Pregnancy Disability must be treated the same as disabilities caused by any other affliction - for example, if a Vacation Donation Program allows for an employee with no leave balances to make a claim for donated time for a catastrophic illness or injury and the employee suffers an injury or illness that is otherwise qualifying under the program they cannot be excluded on the basis that the cause of the illness or injury was the pregnancy.  To put it in simple terms, in such a case like this it doesn’t matter what specific diagnosed illness or injury causes the disability.  It is the disabled condition itself that represents the qualifying test.

Susanville Peace Officers Association at Impasse

The Susanville Peace Officers Association has declared impasse after the City representatives only offered takeaways to this bargaining unit. The City is unwilling to offer any additional proposals, forcing the POA to declare impasse and request mediation. Our case has been turned over to State Mediator, Sandra Poole, who has not yet set a date to start the process.

It is interesting that health insurance that the City obtained through the Union and the POA is going to save the City approximately $189 a month per employee in 2009 over the 2008 health insurance rates. 

Alturas City General Unit Settles Contract

The City of Alturas General Unit has recently settled their contract with the City. Although the members did not receive a salary increase the City agreed to pay any increases to the health insurance premiums. Holiday pay for employees four (4) tens (10’s) was increased to ten (10) hours. Additional all employees of this unit were given two additional holidays for this contract year. Thanks to the bargaining team of Mary Lou Allen, Rod Chainey and Kim Dodds for their hard work in bringing this contract to a conclusion.

The Alturas City Police Officers Association has gone to impasse. A state mediator has been assigned the case and we are awaiting a date to begin the mediation process.

Republican Opposition Blocks Vote on New Labor Secretary

UCS News Service - President Barack Obama’s nominee for Labor Secretary, Rep. Hilda Solis (D-Calif.), is running into fierce resistance from Republicans over her views on the labor-friendly Employee Free Choice Act(EFCA).  The nomination of Solis had yet to be approved by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee by late January, even though her confirmation hearing was among the first for Obama’s cabinet picks. 

Shasta County General Unit Caseload Issues

Sunday, February 01, 2009

At the next SCGU member meeting, Monday, February 9, 2009, we will be looking for volunteers to participate in a labor and management committee to explore the current caseload issues and concerns. The purpose of the committee will be to constructively collaborate and seek possible solutions regarding the caseload issues and the negative effects it has on our members. Some of the effects that are of concern include the turnover rate, the stress level of the workers and other aspects that come from dramatically increased caseloads. All SCGU members who have been impacted by the increased caseloads and want more information and/or would like to participate in the committee are encouraged to attend the next meeting.

Final Touches

Sunday, January 25, 2009

REDDING HQ - Our leader in action!!!!!!!!!
Chris Darker, UPEC Local 792 Business Manager is a man of many hats, rather shirts!!!!! From leading Political Action meetings in suit and tie, doing organizing in the pouring rain under hat and jacket, to this current photo showing him hard at work as a Carpenter making exciting improvements to our Education/Board Room at the Redding Office.  Chris is dedicated to save money and improve our working environment, plus the project is being done by “Union Labor” said Union Relations Representative Christine Perry.  When completed this project will offer our members a state of the art Audio/Visual training center.