KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Out-of-Class and Additional Responsibilities Bonuses

Are you working on a special project or assignment with a higher level of responsibility or performing duties that are usually reserved for employees in a higher classification?

Then you may be entitled to a bonus!

CAPE negotiated a means for you to receive a two standard salary levels (approximately 5.5%) bonus if you have been assigned a special project or assignment or are performing duties that are reserved for employees in higher classification. The bonuses are called either an Additional Responsibilities Bonus (ARB) or an Out-of- Class Bonus.

These bonuses are outlined in your MOUs on following articles for each unit's contract:

Units 131 & 132: Article 7 (Special Pay Practices and Provisions, p. 10) and Article 13 (Out-of-Class Assignment, p. 25)

Units 501 & 502: Article 7 (Special Pay Practices, p. 7) and Article 23 (Out-of-Class Assignments, p. 60)

Units 511 & 512: Article 7 (Special Pay Practices, p. 8) and Article 23 (Out-of-Class Assignments, p. 68)

Contracts are available online at www.capeunion.org/mous. They are also available at our regular tables at the Department of Public Works and Hall of Administration.

Here's a brief rundown.

ELIGIBILITY

There are different eligibility requirements for receiving an ARB compared to an OCB.

You are eligible for an ARB if you have been assigned a special project or assignment that requires the performance of additional duties and responsibilities beyond those within your classification; you are performing all the significant duties; or your assignments are those performed by employees at a higher level classification. There does not need to be a vacant funded position allocated to this higher level classification.

You are eligible for an OCB if you are performing all the significant duties; or your assignments are those performed by employees in a higher level classification for more than 20 consecutive working days; and there exists a vacant funded position allocated to this higher level classification.

PROCEDURES

If you believe you are eligible for an ARB or OCB, different procedures apply.

The procedure to pursue an Additional Responsibilities Bonus requires you to make a written request for this bonus and provide information that confirms your eligibility for the bonus to your departmental management. Your departmental management must receive the CEO's approval to pay this bonus and must notify you of the CEO's decision within 45 business days of receipt of your request.

The procedure to pursue an Out-of-Class Bonus allows for CAPE or you to request the bonus and provide information that confirms your eligibility for the bonus to your departmental management. Your departmental management has the authority to grant or deny the request and must respond with its decision within 30 business days of the request.

OUTCOME

If your request for either an Additional Responsibilities Bonus or an Out-of-Class Bonus is denied, you have the right to file a grievance challenging management's decision. But, it must be filed within 10 business days from your knowledge of management's decision.

Call CAPE if you are working on a special project or assignment or performing duties that are performed by employees in a higher classification and are considering pursuing either of these bonuses and discuss it with a business agent. CAPE is here for you!