The State Worker

Chronicling civil-service life for California state workers

December 16, 2011
Read the Personnel Board decision that saved Duane Wiles' job

111216 Wiles.JPGOur story in today's Bee details how Caltrans fired technician Duane Wiles 12 years ago for abusing a state credit card and using a state cellphone to make personal calls. The State Personnel Board in 1999 decided most of the charges weren't proven and the one that was didn't merit termination. It affirmed that decision in 2000 and told Caltrans to give Wiles his job back and pay back wages and benefits less a 30 calendar-day suspension without pay.

Wiles is the technician who violated key procedures while testing support structures for the new Bay Bridge span in 2006 and 2007 and falsified records on other transportation projects in 2008.

After The Bee reported the Bay Bridge matter, Caltrans announced that Wiles and his supervisor were fired. Wiles is appealing his latest termination to the SPB.

The State Personnel Board's 2000 decision regarding Duane Wiles' termination

PHOTO: Duane Wiles / courtesy Caltrans

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About The State Worker

Jon Ortiz The Author

Jon Ortiz launched The State Worker blog and a companion column in 2008 to cover state government from the perspective of California government employees. Every day he filters the news through a single question: "What does this mean for state workers?" Join Ortiz for updates and debate on state pay, benefits, pensions, contracts and jobs. Contact him at (916) 321-1043 and at jortiz@sacbee.com.

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