CHP Dispatcher - Benefit Questions

[flickster]

Hi. Just wanted to know that if chp dispatchers have same benefit as CHP Officers? Such as medical, retirment etc.

Thanks

[cal911gal]

Hi Flickster,

In a nutshell, yes dispatchers have great benefits; no, they aren't the same as a Traffic Officer's benefits.

Both medical/dental insurance, and PERS retirements, are part of the contract process - your bargaining unit fights for you to get these benefits....what you get becomes part of your contract.

Currently, the PERS retirement formula for officers is 3%@50; dispatchers have a modified safety retirement, formula is 2.5%@55. More can be read on that at the PERS website (I think it's www.pers.ca.gov) - seach for CalPERS on the web, you'll find it easily.

The CAHP offers a better medical/dental package than the ones currently offered to the dispatchers, but to be honest, there isn' t a huge difference. Any insurance you can get is oftentimes a far sight better than what can be had out in the regular job market........ I compared my insurance against my daughter's the other day, and it made me feel a whole lot better about what I had :smile: To my knowledge, the officers essentially have one medical plan; they could choose from others but their main plan is far better than the other plans and it would be stupid to choose a lesser one. Depending on where you live/work, if a dispatcher, you may only have one option (like where I am) or you could choose from several health plans. The State makes a significant contribution towards your benefits - if what you choose is more expensive than the contribution, you pay the difference.

All benefits are subject to change with each new contract. Rumors abound constantly that the State is trying to take this or that away from us all....unfortunately, in today's economy, sometimes those threats are very real. Both of our unions take these threats very seriously and fight hard not only to get us better benefits, but also to keep us from losing the ones we already have.

I hope this helps you somewhat.

[flickster]

Thank you Cal911~

:biggrin:

[cal911gal]

Anytime!