California prison psychiatrists get double-digit raises in deal that avoids union strike
Physicians, surgeons, dentists and psychiatrists who work in California’s state hospitals and prisons have struck a deal with the state that will put double-digit raises and five-figure bonuses in some workers’ pockets.
The agreement between CalHR and the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, which represents about 1,700 medical professionals in state service, averts a strike that union members authorized last month and arrives just days before the Legislature’s deadline to close out deals with state workers before lawmakers’ session ends. CalHR estimates the deal will cost the state about $227.5 million.
The two-year contract awards a general salary increase of 3% backdated to July 1 and 2.5% in 2024, which aligns with what the state has offered to other unions this year. But a plethora of bonuses, differentials, special salary adjustments and range increases will boost some workers’ pay by 15% or more.
“I feel good about it,” said Stuart Bussey, the union’s president. “Everybody got a little something.”
The biggest financial victories went to state psychiatrists who work at least 50% of their hours on-site. A CalHR analysis of the deal shows that psychiatrists will net bonuses each month worth 15% of their salaries. And starting six months after the contract is ratified, psychiatrists will have the opportunity to take on additional casework at a rate of 135% of their per-hour base pay. The premium pay for extra hours will hopefully reduce the amount of work given to external contractors, Bussey said.
With an advertised starting salary of about $286,000, psychiatrists are guaranteed at least nearly $42,900 in annual bonuses on top of any other differentials they might be eligible for, such as those for specific facilities.
“It came down to the very last couple of hours,” lead negotiator Patricia Hernandez said of the 15% bonus. She added that she’d spoken to union-member psychiatrists who were ready to quit their state jobs and look for work in the private sector if the state didn’t meet their offer.
“The state knew that we were ready to strike, and we let them know that we had to have movement on that additional money,” Hernandez said.
Many job classifications will receive special salary adjustments, and bumps in the maximum salary range will give experienced employees an extra boost. Sixteen roles, including podiatrists, public health officers and medical consultants, are on deck to receive 5% pay increases on top of the across-the-board raise. Physicians and surgeons will earn a 3% boost in their maximum salary range, and dentists will earn a 5% adjustment.
All employees are also eligible for a new longevity pay system that grants an extra percentage of base salary for each year the worker spends in the job. After 12 months of service, an employee can earn an additional 1%, all the way up to seven years at 7%. Employees with more than seven years of service will receive a one-time payment of $10,000.
Members of the union would also be eligible for a new family leave policy that would grant six weeks of 50% paid leave to new parents and employees who are caring for seriously ill family members. Workers can supplement the plan with accrued leave to reach 100% pay.
The union was prepared to go on strike as late as last Wednesday, Bussey said. Union leaders sent a letter to CalHR on Aug. 28 that stated their intent to follow through with a work stoppage if the state couldn’t come to an agreement that week.
“It is clear that the UAPD and the state are at an impasse,” read the letter, reviewed by The Sacramento Bee, which was signed by Bussey along with R. Douglas Chiappetta, the union’s executive director, and Hernandez. “We are putting you on clear notice that we intend to strike.”
Earlier in August, the physicians’ union had notified the Public Employment Relations Board that they intended to strike. PERB subsequently notified Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration that it could seek an injunction that would require essential employees to remain on the job, according to filings obtained through a Public Records Act request.
Bussey said he was glad the union didn’t have to go through with the work stoppage. The sticking point was that 15% pay differential for psychiatrists.
“It’s the hardest job in our union,” Bussey said of the psychiatrists. “They just want to be recognized for their work.”
In addition to the financial perks, the contract includes various opportunities for members to help shape policies that affect their workplace. Bussey pointed to language that requires calls made to on-call doctors be for emergency or urgent purposes only. That way, the on-call personnel can still get some sleep, he said. The state will work with the union over the next few months to define what “urgent” means.
“Other than the money, your voice in how this place is run is really important,” he said. “They wanted their voice heard.”
Legislators and union members must ratify the contract, and Newsom must sign it, before it can take effect. The physicians’ union is the second-to-last union to reach a deal with the state. The union representing state scientists has yet to reach a deal.
This story was originally published September 7, 2023 at 5:00 AM with the headline "California prison psychiatrists get double-digit raises in deal that avoids union strike."