UPE met with the Merced County Department of Administrative Services on July 28, 2025, to review the proposed Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP), focusing on Addendums A and B. Addendum A is intended to help keep work areas secure from potential workplace violence risks, while Addendum B serves as an inspection tool to confirm that safety procedures are being followed. The WVPP addresses a wide range of concerns, including Parking Lots, Building Entry, Badge Reader systems, Field Assignments, Employee-Only Access Doors, Visitors, Cashier and Money Handling, Suspicious Packages or Bomb Threats, Mail or Package Deliveries, Protest Activity or Civil Disturbances, Threats or Hostile Individuals, Arson, and Active Shooter situations.
During the Meet and Confer, UPE proposed — and it was agreed — that information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and workers’ compensation resources would be included in WVPP training. UPE was also encouraged to see that the County had adopted proposals raised in prior meetings with other departments, such as ensuring that hardcopy reference materials, like bomb threat checklists, are available at employee workstations. The County has stated a preference for employees to provide their names when submitting WVPP incident reports; however, the department confirmed it will continue to accept anonymous reports through using anonymous envelopes or emails if employees choose to remain confidential. UPE remains dedicated to the safety and well-being of its members. Please reach out to UPE if you have any questions or concerns — we are here to help and happy to assist.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK UPE MERCED COUNTY UNIT 3 GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS MONICA LERMA FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.
