On June 3, 2025, United Public Employees (UPE) met for a second time with Merced County’s Department of the Tax Collector to discuss the proposed Expectations Memo. This memo outlines workplace expectations around confidentiality, professional conduct, assignment tracking, communication, meeting participation, attendance, phone use in restricted areas, and conflict resolution. In short, it outlines the responsibilities expected of employees in the department on the job.
UPE proposed several changes, many of which were accepted. The strict language was softened—for example, replacing “must” with “should”—to make expectations more reasonable and respectful. The original language, which held employees responsible for tracking the attendance of other coworkers at meetings, was removed, as UPE emphasized that each employee should only be accountable for their own work and presence. Unreasonable deadlines were changed to require notice within a “reasonable time” instead of “well in advance.”
We also worked to remove language in the communication section that came across as unnecessary. For example, the original memo included lines like “No one knows what you need unless you take the first step,” which sounded more like a lecture than a workplace guideline. Employees are professionals and should be treated as such. That kind of tone doesn’t belong in a policy memo. We also simplified how overtime and breaks are addressed by directing employees directly to HR policies and the MOU, which already clearly cover these topics.
UPE will continue to monitor the implementation of this memo and will stand up for members if any issues arise. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK UPE MERCED COUNTY UNIT 3 GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS MONICA LERMA AND CARMELITA RODRIGUEZ FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.
