On March 19, 2025, United Public Employees (UPE) met with the Merced County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office to discuss the Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) and ensure safety policies are clear and protect employees. During the meeting, we discussed several safety issues, including parking areas, building access, fieldwork, employee-only doors, cashier and money handling, bomb threats, civil disturbances, active shooter situations, incoming mail safety, and fire prevention.
UPE raised concerns about the risks employees who handle or transport money face. We made it clear that workers in these roles should have the right to leave immediately if they feel threatened or if someone tries to steal from them. The County agreed. The WVPP will now include language allowing employees to evacuate right away in those situations.
We also asked that information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which offers support and counseling after a violent or traumatic incident, be added to the WVPP. The County declined to include it in the policy, but they committed to sharing EAP resources during annual training and confirmed that the information is available in other materials.
Lastly, UPE asked the County to remove the word “strike” from the civil disturbance section of the policy. We did this to prevent confusion with union-protected activities. The County agreed and confirmed that the word will be removed.
UPE will continue to speak up for your safety and rights on the job. If you have questions, contact your union representative.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK UNIT 3 GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER LISA SYKES FOR HER ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.
