On February 24, 2025, United Public Employees (UPE) had a meet and confer with the County of Merced Department of the Registrar of Voters and Elections. This meeting was held regarding the Department’s proposed Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) Addendums A & B.
During the meet and confer, areas of concern and safety protocols were discussed, including but not limited to parking lots, building access, off-site work locations, employee-only access doors, cashier/money handling, incoming mail, bomb threats, protestors, public access areas, active shooter response, civil disturbances, and security cameras.
During the meeting, UPE proposed, and it was agreed, to address and add policy language regarding active shooter response and civil disturbances to the WVPP areas of concern. UPE further proposed, and it was agreed, that in cases where an individual attempts to steal money or valuables, languages should be added to include language permitting employees to flee the immediate area. Additionally, if an employee is transporting money and faces an attempted robbery or direct threat, they are allowed to flee to ensure their safety first. Furthermore, UPE proposed, and it was agreed, that in the event of an attempted break-in, employees should prioritize their safety first and, if possible, evacuate rather than attempt to lock and secure county valuables, as stated in the original language of addendum A.
Another key UPE proposal and agreement was that hard copies of bomb threat emergency action plans and Workplace Violence Prevention Program policies are readily available in hard copy for employees handling mail, customer service, or phone calls. UPE will continue to fight for member rights. Member safety is one of UPE’s top priorities, and we hope these policies help ensure it.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK CARMELITA RODRIGUEZ, UPE MERCED COUNTY UNIT 3 GOVERNING BOARD, FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.
