1715 - Compensation Request Policy (Historical View)

** Effective: 2/12/2026 1:22:28 PM - 2/12/2026 1:33:11 PM **

Status: Active

Change Notes

Updating policy for 2027 Bargaining Cycle.

Category

Compensation

Audience List

Synopsis

This policy:

Introduction

Government Code section 19826 authorizes CalHR to “establish and adjust salary ranges for each classification of position in the state civil service subject to any merit limits contained in Article VII of the California Constitution.” Pursuant to Government Code section 3517, the Ralph C. Dills Act, changes to the wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment for rank-and-file employees must be negotiated with representatives of recognized employee organizations. By law, CalHR represents the Governor as the state employer in such negotiations.

Statement

This policy outlines the process for departments to submit compensation requests for civil service classifications with bargaining contracts expiring in 2027. This policy also applies to compensation requests for related excluded classifications tied to those bargaining units.

Departments are responsible for reviewing this policy each year, as parameters may change.

This policy outlines the process for departments to request compensation for civil service classifications to address any of the following:

It is vitally important that the state government is efficient, effective, and only expends funds that are necessary to the critical operation and security of the state. As such, departments should exhaust all non-compensation solutions prior to submission.

Compensation Requests for Upcoming Bargaining

For bargaining contracts expiring in calendar year 2027, departments must submit requests no later than May 1, 2026. 

The following bargaining unit contracts will expire on or around June 30, 2027:

*Items submitted during the previous cycle for BU7 are still pending and do not need to be resubmitted; however, new requests may be submitted through this process.

Compensation Requests Outside Normal Bargaining Timeframes

During the term of an existing contract, a critical need may arise that requires a compensation solution prior to the next open contract and is considered “off cycle”.  

Off-cycle compensation requests may be submitted during the term of an existing labor contract only when a critical need arises that requires immediate action prior to the expiration of the current agreement. These requests are considered exceptional and must demonstrate both:

Requests based on longstanding issues or non-urgent concerns must be submitted during the appropriate bargaining timeframe and will not be considered through the off-cycle process.

Requests Not Subject to this Policy

Requests for items that do not involve compensation should be submitted to either the CalHR Personnel Management Division or CalHR Labor Relations Division as follows:

Personnel Management Division (PMD): Classification requests that do not include changes to compensation should continue to be directed to PMD at PMD@calhr.ca.gov or the department’s assigned PMD Consultant. If the department is unsure if the request falls into this category, please reach out to the PMD Consultant in advance of submitting any requests. Requests relating to exempt positions should be directed to CalHR’s Exempt Unit at EPR@calhr.ca.gov.

Examples of non-compensation items for PMD include classification specification changes, alternate range criteria changes, classification consolidations, or questions regarding allocations, delegated personnel functions, etc.

Labor Relations Division (LRD): Other items for bargaining should be submitted to CalHR’s LRD at LR.info@calhr.ca.gov as part of the annual Harvest Memo process. These items may include contract language changes or other changes related to terms and conditions of employment. 

Application

Compensation requests must be submitted through CalHR’s Request Tracking System (RTS), under the “Forms” section of this policy. For more information on the Compensation Request process, please refer to the Compensation Request Process overview document, located in RTS.

Please note: A separate request should be submitted for each problem requiring compensation. Departments will receive an email once the request has been received, which includes a CalHR tracking number. Departments must obtain approval from their Directors and/or Agency Secretaries before submitting a request.

Process Overview

CalHR issues the annual policy in February, outlining the bargaining unit contracts set to expire the following year. Departments must submit compensation requests by the deadline specified in the policy or contact Compensation@calhr.ca.gov to request an extension. Prior to submission, departments may consult with CalHR regarding their proposed requests. All requests will be reviewed unless otherwise noted. If additional information is required, CalHR will contact the department. Status updates cannot be provided, as requests will be considered during the next bargaining cycle. After collective bargaining concludes, CalHR will notify each department of the outcome of their request.

Authorities

Resources

Forms

Related Policies

Web Pages

Authorized By

Stephan Higginbotham
Chief, Financial Management Division

Contact Person

Financial Management Division
Employee Compensation Unit,
Phone: 916-322-5193
Email: employeecomp@calhr.ca.gov

Superseded Policies

Not Applicable.