CAPT continues its efforts to end harmful staffing reductions and cuts

California Association of Psychiatric Technicians:

WHY: The California Association of Psychiatric Technicians is continuing a series of weekly informational pickets at state hospitals, developmental centers and prisons, this time – for the second time – at Napa State Hospital. The events will draw attention to ongoing state budget cuts that are not only hurting employees, but also the vital services Psych Techs provide to Californians in their care.

As licensed and certified level-of-care nursing staff specializing in therapeutic and medical care for people with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses, Psychiatric Technicians’ concerns are threefold:

• For clients and patients – Recent layoffs at state developmental centers, continuing hiring freezes and unpaid furloughs throughout the state are impacting Psychiatric Technicians’ ability to provide adequate staffing, which can affect quality of care in 24-hour state facilities.
• For staff – As with many Californians, ongoing pay cuts are hurting members’ families as well as efforts to recruit and retain a quality workforce.
• For Californians – Increased mandatory overtime to cover staffing gaps means increased costs to taxpayers, while unpaid furloughs mean less patronage for local businesses.

CAPT is seeking to lift the state’s hiring freeze at 24-hour facilities, the reduction or elimination of furloughs, and an end to the September 17 layoffs of nearly 90 employees at Lanterman and nearby Sonoma Developmental Centers. Union counsel recently filed a lawsuit outlining how Governor Schwarzenegger’s unpaid furloughs violate several labor laws and orders. The document is available online at www.psychtechs.net.

Members of the public are welcomed and encouraged to show their support by filling out an online petition at www.psychtechs.net. Signatures are being forwarded to decisionmakers during CAPT’s continuing efforts to end harmful staffing reductions and cuts.