On March 18, 2025, United Public Employees (UPE) met with Merced County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) to discuss the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP).
During the meeting, UPE raised concerns about the initial draft of the WVPP, specifically that it left out important areas of concern like arson and active shooter. UPE submitted proposed model language, and the County agreed—both topics were added into the final WVPP.
UPE also recommended that employees be provided with hard-copy quick reference guides on how to respond to bomb threats. The County responded by adding language to the policy to ensure these hard-copy guides will be supplied to employees at their workstations.
In addition, UPE proposed that employees use nitrile gloves when handling incoming mail. The County took this under consideration, and the final WVPP includes language confirming nitrile gloves will be made available for employee use for handling incoming mail.
Lastly, UPE pushed for clear policy language on the handling and transportation of monies. Specifically, we asked for language to be added for employees to flee to a safe location in the event of an attempted robbery, if feasible. DPW accepted this recommendation and included the language in the final policy. UPE cares deeply about its members’ safety and hopes this policy supports their protection and well-being.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK UNIT 3 CHAIR & GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER CARMELITA RODRIGUEZ FOR HER ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION
