On February 11, 2025, United Public Employees (UPE) had a meet and confer with the County of Merced Department of Human Services Agency. This meeting was held regarding the Department’s proposed Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) Addendums A & B.
During the meet and confer areas of concern and safety protocols were discussed, including but not limited to parking lots, building access, Employee Only Access Doors, Cashier / Money Handling, Incoming Mail, Bomb Threat, Protestors, and Public Access Areas.
UPE proposed, and it was agreed, that policy language be changed so that employees are not responsible for conducting walkthroughs to actively search for dangerous objects. Instead, employees should simply be aware of their surroundings and report any hazardous or dangerous objects they see to a supervisor. UPE also proposed, and it was agreed, that language be updated to ensure that employees in an interview room are not limited to using de-escalation techniques but can also call a supervisor for assistance when needed. Additionally, UPE proposed, and it was agreed, that panic buttons will be installed in all interview rooms to enhance safety.
UPE further proposed and it was agreed in cases where an individual attempts to steal money or valuables, languages added to include language permitting employees to flee the immediate area. Additionally, if an employee is transporting money and faces an attempted robbery or direct threat, language is to be added to permit employee to flee to ensure their safety first. Furthermore, UPE proposed, and it was agreed, in the event of an attempted break-in employees should focus on their safety first and, if possible, evacuate rather than attempt to lock and secure county valuables as what was in the original language in addendum A. Here at UPE our members' safety and happiness means everything to us, and we hope these policy changes help ensure your safety and happiness at the workplace.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK UPE MERCED COUNTY UNIT 3 GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER MELISSA HERNANDEZ FOR HER ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT IN THIS MEET AND CONFER.
