On April 15, 2025, UPE met with the Merced County Department of the Tax Collector to discuss the Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP). During the meeting, we reviewed Addendums A and B. Addendum A focused on area of concern such as parking lot safety, building access through employee-only doors, cashier and money-handling procedures, how to respond to bomb threats, dealing with threats of violence or hostile individuals, civil disturbances, active shooter situations, arson risks, and safety with incoming mail.
UPE proposed improvements to the WVPP, and the department agreed. First, employees will now have part of their WVPP training to include a notice of support services if they experience workplace violence incidents, including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Workers' Compensation resources. UPE also proposed that the location of panic buttons be included in WVPP training, so employees know where they are, and that check inspections be implemented into addendum B to ensure the panic buttons stay in working order. In addition, UPE proposed, and the department agreed that hardcopy bomb threat checklist response materials will be made available at every employee workstation to better prepare staff in case of an incident.
UPE cares deeply about the safety and well-being of our members. We believe the WVPP policies will make a real difference in workplace safety and help provide the protection you deserve on the job.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK UPE MERCED COUNTY UNIT 3 GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS LISA SYKES AND CARMELITA RODRIGUEZ FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.
