Decision 1507H – Trustees of the California State University
LA-CE-584-H
Decision Date: January 8, 2003
Decision Type: PERB Decision
Description: APC alleged that CSU unilaterally changed computer and telephone/facsimile usage policies at its campuses without providing APC notice and an opportunity to bargain. The ALJ found that CSU violated HEERA by modifying the computer usage policies but dismissed the charge involving the telephone/facsimile usage policies.
Disposition: The Board adopted the portion of the ALJ’s proposed decision regarding the computer usage process but reversed the ALJ regarding the change in telephone/facsimile usage policies, finding that CSU violated HEERA section 3571(c).
Perc Vol: 27
Perc Index: 26
Decision Headnotes
602.02000 – Prior Notice and Opportunity to Bargain
The ALJ properly found that, based upon the existing practice of the parties, CSU failed to notify APC of the implementation of the new policies.
602.06000 – Change in Past Practice
A policy restricting APC’s use of CSU e-mail to communicate with employees, an existing practice that was acknowledged by CSU, clearly changes the status quo. CSU’s computer usage policies embody comprehensive rules on the use of computer resources, violation of which is grounds for discipline. These policies thus affect “unilateral implementation of a sweeping set of rules . . . .of the ‘quantity and kind’” that alter the status quo as set forth in the 1960 policy and Govt. Code section 8314. (Oakland Unified School District (1983) PERB Decision No. 367.) CSU’s new telephone and facsimile policy constitute a departure from the restrictions on telephone usage found in Government Code section 8314. The new grounds for discipline in the policy are also inconsistent with section 8314 and CSU’s 1960 policy. CSU’s new telephone and facsimile policy improve upon CSU’s 1960 policy, which prohibits use of state facilities, equipment or supplies for other than the performance of official business. Employers may not make unilateral changes to increase benefits, as well as reduce benefits.
1000.01000 – In General; Test for Subjects Not Specifically Enumerated
Under the Anaheim test, CSU’s computer usage policies established new grounds for discipline against employees who violate their provisions and so are within the scope of representation. Such policies are subject to negotiation both as to the criteria for discipline and as to the procedure to be followed. CSU’s computer usage policies affect matters within the scope of representation as they pertain to APC’s use of CSU e-mail to communicate with employees. Computer resources, telephones and fax machines comprise “reasonable” means of access in a large academic institution and reasonable access rights are negotiable. Govt. Code section 8314 does not prohibit personal use of computer, telephone and fax equipment; rather, it prohibits use for personal purposes but excludes from that prohibition occasional, incidental or minimal use for personal purposes. Although portions of the policies may concern matters within management prerogative, other issues, involving the ill-defined criteria for discipline, internal monitoring of employee e-mail, and training employees to comply with copyright and other licensing restrictions, clearly are negotiable items. The absence of Educ. Code section 89535 from HEERA 3572.5 does not preclude the parties from negotiating forms and bases for discipline not included within section 89535, provided that the subject is related to wages, hours or other negotiable terms and conditions of employment.
1000.02002 – Access – Subject of Bargaining
CSU’s computer usage policies affect matters within the scope of representation as they pertain to APC’s use of CSU e-mail to communicate with employees. Computer resources, telephones and fax machines comprise “reasonable” means of access in a large academic institution and reasonable access rights are negotiable.
1000.02029 – Disciplinary Action
Under the Anaheim test, CSU’s computer usage policies established new grounds for discipline against employees who violate their provisions and so are within the scope of representation. Such policies are subject to negotiation both as to the criteria for discipline and as to the procedure to be followed. Although portions of the policies may concern matters within management prerogative, other issues, involving the ill-defined criteria for discipline, internal monitoring of employee e-mail, and training employees to comply with copyright and other licensing restrictions, clearly are negotiable items. The absence of Educ. Code section 89535 from HEERA 3572.5 does not preclude the parties from negotiating forms and bases for discipline not included within section 89535, provided that the subject is related to wages, hours or other negotiable terms and conditions of employment.
1000.02030 – Disciplinary Procedures
Under the Anaheim test, CSU’s computer usage policies established new grounds for discipline against employees who violate their provisions and so are within the scope of representation. Such policies are subject to negotiation both as to the criteria for discipline and as to the procedure to be followed. Although portions of the policies may concern matters within management prerogative, other issues, involving the ill-defined criteria for discipline, internal monitoring of employee e-mail, and training employees to comply with copyright and other licensing restrictions, clearly are negotiable items. The absence of Educ. Code section 89535 from HEERA 3572.5 does not preclude the parties from negotiating forms and bases for discipline not included within section 89535, provided that the subject is related to wages, hours or other negotiable terms and conditions of employment.
1000.02151 – Use of District Facilities, Equipment
Under the Anaheim test, CSU’s computer usage policies established new grounds for discipline against employees who violate their provisions and so are within the scope of representation. Such policies are subject to negotiation both as to the criteria for discipline and as to the procedure to be followed. CSU’s computer usage policies affect matters within the scope of representation as they pertain to APC’s use of CSU e-mail to communicate with employees. Computer resources, telephones and fax machines comprise “reasonable” means of access in a large academic institution and reasonable access rights are negotiable. Govt. Code section 8314 does not prohibit personal use of computer, telephone and fax equipment; rather, it prohibits use for personal purposes but excludes from that prohibition occasional, incidental or minimal use for personal purposes.
1000.02145 – Training
Although portions of the policies may concern matters within management prerogative, other issues, involving the ill-defined criteria for discipline, internal monitoring of employee e-mail, and training employees to comply with copyright and other licensing restrictions, clearly are negotiable items.
101.02000 – Conflicts Between PERB-Administered Laws and Other California Statutes; Education Code/Supersession; MMBA Supersession
The absence of Ed. Code section 89535 from HEERA 3572.5 does not preclude the parties from negotiating forms and bases for discipline not included within section 89535, provided that the subject is related to wages, hours or other negotiable terms and conditions of employment.
401.04000 – Access – Union Right
A policy that unlawfully restricts union access creates a corresponding interference with employee’s representation rights under HEERA section 3571(a).
602.01000 – In General
A policy restricting APC’s use of CSU e-mail to communicate with employees, an existing practice that was acknowledged by CSU, clearly changes the status quo. CSU’s computer usage policies embody comprehensive rules on the use of computer resources, violation of which is grounds for discipline. These policies thus affect “unilateral implementation of a sweeping set of rules . . . .of the ‘quantity and kind’” that alter the status quo as set forth in the 1960 policy and Govt. Code section 8314. (Oakland Unified School District (1983) PERB Decision No. 367.) CSU’s new telephone and facsimile policy constitute a departure from the restrictions on telephone usage found in Government Code section 8314. The new grounds for discipline in the policy are also inconsistent with section 8314 and CSU’s 1960 policy. CSU’s new telephone and facsimile policy improve upon CSU’s 1960 policy, which prohibits use of state facilities, equipment or supplies for other than the performance of official business. Employers may not make unilateral changes to increase benefits, as well as reduce benefits.