You asked (1) what the previous two Department of Children and Families' (DCF) commissioners proposed to redesign area office shifts in order to reduce overtime for workers who work past 5:00 p.m., (2) why these plans were not implemented, and (3) when the collective bargaining agreements with the relevant unions expire.

A DCF spokesperson said the department discussed flexible hour options with the Social and Human Services (P-2) bargaining unit, but was unable to reach agreement. We have asked for additional details about the proposals and will update this report when we receive them.

Sal Luciano, the executive director for AFCMSE Council 4, which represents the caseworkers at area offices, stated that previous commissioners had approached the union with proposals to shift workers' schedules. He said the discussions over the proposals broke down when DCF could not satisfactorily answer questions about how caseworkers would acquire a state car and get gas for it, receive supervision when dealing with a problem case, and attend morning court appearances.

The current contract with the union expires on June 30, 2009.

RO:dw