005/008 members met with the department regarding the federal government shutdown and Cal Fresh benefits not being administered effective November 1st, 2025. UPE’s primary concern is the safety and security of our members. The department stated that while the actual number of security staff has not been increased, the Sheriff’s Department has agreed to increase patrols by officers at all open lobbies.
UPE expressed dissatisfaction with the level of communication to our members regarding this government shutdown. The department made commitments to increase unit “huddles” via TEAMS meetings, unit meetings, emails, and any other appropriate forms of communication they can utilize.
Executive management has instructed all managers to cancel manager & supervisor meetings through the first week of November and be visibly available in the lobbies for staff. Executive management has also committed to being present in open lobbies to monitor traffic & security concerns as well as to ensure supervisors & managers are meeting their expectations to be present.
UPE proposed that log-in notifications be prompted for staff to provide urgent or critical updates, and the department agreed. UPE also proposed a reduction in face-to-face appointments. The department decided to limit face-to-face appointments and interviews only to those clients who can verify an extreme hardship, except for GA applicants. UPE also proposed that management communicate to staff the need to take extra security measures when leaving their worksites, such as concealing their security badges and walking in groups or pairs. Any security concerns observed by members should be reported to program managers, security personnel, or supervisors. In addition, executive management has granted the authority to all program managers they close buildings if needed during this time.
UPE will be monitoring the situation and meeting with the department as necessary. Stay tuned.
