On April 4, 2025, United Public Employees (UPE) met again with the Merced County Department of Public Health to continue discussions about the proposed Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) and its Addendums A & B.
The WVPP is meant to set clear steps for preventing and handling workplace violence. It covers things like how to handle workplace violence incidents and ways to improve communication around safety concerns.
UPE continued to advocate for stronger safety language for employees handling money. It was discussed that if someone tries to steal money, language should be added to clarify that employees can flee if feasible and put their safety first. It also discussed again the option of anonymous reporting for workplace violence. While UPE pushed for drop boxes to make anonymous reporting easier, the County was concerned it could interfere with investigations. Although the County decided not to add anonymous drop boxes, they did agree to review all reports—anonymous or not.
Adding the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at the end of Addendum A was discussed again so that employees would know they have support available after experiencing a violent or stressful incident. The County now refuses to include language in the policy itself, believing WVPP is not the appropriate place to notify employees of such resources. However, they agreed to add EAP resource notice into future WVPP training. Regarding field assignment safety, the County declined to add further language to the WVPP, believing it unnecessary and noting that UPE has no members in field roles. UPE maintained that procedures should exist for employees who feel unsafe returning to a field assignment location.
Lastly, UPE asked to remove the word “strike” from the civil disturbance section. We believe it could cause confusion since strikes are a union-protected activity, and the County has no authority to direct employees during one. The County agreed to revise the language.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK UPE MERCED COUNTY UNIT 3 GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER CARMELITA RODRIGUEZ FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.
