On March 19, 2025, UPE met for a second time with Merced County’s Human Services Agency (HSA) to discuss the proposed Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP), including Addendums A and B. The purpose of this meet and confer was to review safety concerns and protocols for employees, including topics like parking lot safety, building access, employee-only doors, money handling, protests, bomb threats, and general public access areas.
UPE raised concerns about employees being asked to do walkthroughs to actively search for dangerous objects. We requested that employees only be expected to stay aware of their surroundings and report any issues to a supervisor. The County did not accept this change but confirmed that walkthroughs would not be assigned to UPE-represented employees in Unit 3.
UPE suggested including Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources in the policy to remind staff of available support after any incidents. The County declined, stating that EAP info is already included in HR rules, but did accept to implement mention of these resources in covered annual WVPP training.
Notably, an agreement was reached regarding safety during serious incidents. Cases regarding break-ins near the Benefit Issuance (BI) window, employees should only try to secure the valuables cart if they feel it’s safe. If not, they should evacuate right away and follow emergency protocols. The original WVPP said employees should secure and lock County valuables in the event of a break-in, but UPE pushed for language to ensure this is only expected if it’s safe to do so. Employee safety comes first.
UPE requests that additional areas of concern be addressed, such as active shooter and fire/arson situations, which were not mentioned in the original WVPP. The County agreed to include language directing employees to follow the Merced County Emergency Action Plan during active shooter events. In fire or arson cases, staff are instructed to notify a supervisor and follow evacuation steps outlined in Directive 13.
UPE will continue to advocate for your safety and ensure your concerns are addressed in all workplace policies.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK UPE MERCED COUNTY UNIT 3 GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS LISA SYKES AND MELISSA HERNANDEZ FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.
