UPE met with the Merced County Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) on March 18, 2025, to discuss telework. UPE came to the table with proposals aimed at making telework more available and flexible for its members. One key proposal was that if a supervisor denies a member's telework request, they must provide a specific reason for the denial. Notably, it was requested that in the event of telework denial, the decision cannot be arbitrary or capricious. UPE also asked that as long as a member responds to their supervisor within the same business day, they will be in compliance with the telework policy's response time. The County had no issue agreeing to these requests.
Another proposal addressed the County’s requirement for internet. UPE asked that the policy make it clear that while members need internet with reasonable speed to telework, they should not have to provide proof of their internet speed, as that can be burdensome. UPE proposed changing the telework policy language from “position eligible for telework” to “employee eligible for telework” to ensure each case is considered individually. The County had no issue agreeing to these requests.
UPE also proposed allowing employees to qualify for telework after their first evaluation, which could be as soon as 3 months, and removing the requirement for “sufficient training. The department rejected this proposal, stating they believe employees wouldn’t be ready. UPE disagrees and stands by our belief that our members are capable of handling telework responsibilities within that time frame. UPE requested that employees be allowed to telework with only 2.5 in-office days per week, instead of the current three-day requirement. The County was opposed to this change but indicated they may consider adding flexibility on a case-by-case basis. Notably, UPE sought clarification, and it was confirmed that only official disciplinary action—not proposed or pending actions—will impact an employee’s telework eligibility. UPE believes this policy will support better work-life balance and flexibility for our members.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK UPE MERCED COUNTY UNIT 3 GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS LISA SYKES AND CARMELITA RODRIGUEZ FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.
