December 2002
by Richard Bermack

The first counties to go live with CalWIN are not scheduled until late 2003, and most likely the date will be pushed back to early 2004. For the union, D-Day will be the contract negotiations coming up in mid-2003. That will be the time to negotiate the implementation of CalWIN and a new classification for CalWIN workers. The Local 535 Eligibility and Employment Services Committee sees this as a time to organize workers around the state, and prepare. According to chair of the committee Darlene White, “Counties are saying it is too soon to meet and confer. So now is the time to really listen to what they are saying at the meetings, so that we will have as much information as possible to formulate our proposals when the time comes.” So far the committee has identified the following issues:

Caseload Caps

Eligibility workers have requested their workload be limited to a reasonable number of cases. One of the positive things about the new system is that it lends itself to a caseload cap. The system is programmed with a number, and then assigns each worker that number of cases.

Alameda County has already agreed to caseload caps and the union is attempting to get agreement from other counties as well.

New Classification

The union plans to negotiate a new classification for CalWIN. (See related article.) The new classification will affect other workers, such as clerical workers and clerks, who may be represented by other locals or unions. These unions will need to be involved as well. In Alameda County, for example, SEIU Local 616 represents clerks and clerical workers in the welfare department. Locals 535 and 616 have a history of working together and negotiating as a team.

Labor-Management Committees

One of the most positive developments is the inclusion of labor in the process. Many counties are forming labor-management teams, or have indicated their willingness to actively involve labor in the process. Alameda County has even given the union a column in their employee newsletter on CalWIN.

Generic Worker Compensation

If CalWIN workers are to be responsible for determining eligibility for all programs they should be compensated as generic workers.

Backup Systems

Computers do not always work. What happens when the system is down or hangs up in the middle of an interview? What back-up systems will be in place to ensure the workers do not lose the work they have entered?

Ergonomics and Computer Breaks

Spending three hours entering information into a computer can be a little trying. Ergonomics are important. Workstations need to be designed so that the worker, client and family can comfortably view the computer screen and discuss the interview. Appropriate computer chairs, desks, and foot rests are necessary to prevent computer-related injuries. Another issue is the ability to take mini-breaks.

Adequate and User-Friendly Training

Training programs are key. Workers need to know eligibility even better than before and have the ability to do manual calculations to check the program’s accuracy. Workers will also require extensive computer training on the new system in a worker-friendly way.