United Public Employees (UPE) recently met and conferred with Merced County Department of Public Health on August 19, 2025, to discuss proposed Telework Policy and Procedures. The proposed policy allows employees to telework up to 50 percent of their work schedule, subject to department approval and operational needs. The proposed policies require employees to complete different forms, including a telework request, acknowledgement, and safety self-certification, before they begin teleworking. Notably, the County also has proposed broad discretion to revoke telework arrangements at any time due to performance or operational needs.
While UPE recognizes that telework can be a valuable option for employees, we believe the current policy is too restrictive for our members. UPE has made clear to the Department that we are seeking improvements to this policy so that telework is more fair, flexible, and beneficial to our members. We are advocating for changes that would provide greater stability in telework scheduling for our members and ensure that the telework policy and procedures are facilitated fairly and transparently for our members. Our goal is to create a telework system that works for employees, supporting efficiency and service while respecting work-life balance and the needs of our members.
UPE will continue to advocate strongly for these changes and will keep members updated every step of the way as discussions progress.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK MERCED COUNTY GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS LISA SYKES AND MONICA LERMA FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT.
