Covid Vaccine Policy Proposal and Ongoing Negotiations
Local 1014 will be at the bargaining table again today late into the evening with the County of Los Angeles and the CCU. We have been bargaining two to three days per week 6-8 hours per day on the “IMPACT” of any such proposal from the County of LA. We are working hard along with our public safety members in partnership within the CCU to move this proposal to a “vaccinate or accommodate” policy and steadfastly have opposed any mandate.
Additionally, Local 1014 along with our Sheriff Union partners introduced the concept of using antibody levels in part or whole as the equivalent to vaccinated status. We are bargaining over every line of the proposals that emanated from the BOS Executive Order and Motion. This is not only tedious but volatile. We are also working to eliminate a disciplinary track for anyone who is non-compliant and instead have an accommodation and or testing process as well as alternative work schedules and environments for non-safety units who are impacted by this order. The County knows it cannot meet an October 1 deadline. We will notify you of any changes in the proposal formally as we get agreement on items impacting dates, times, and policy.
Once again, Local 1014 has taken a strong position embracing the vaccine and encouraging our members to get the vaccine (75% of our membership is vaccinated currently), while OPPOSING THE VACCINE MANDATE. We have asked for the use of antibody testing, full safety gear including masks, gowns, goggles, gloves, physical distancing, and cleaning as ways to accommodate those who are not vaccinated. We will continue to work on those positions in alliance with our partners in the house of Labor.
General Membership Meeting 9/14/2021
We look forward to seeing everyone at the General Membership Meeting at the Alfred K. Whitehead Labor Center, the Union Hall - 3460 Fletcher Avenue in El Monte at 10 am on Tuesday 9/14/2021. The Union meeting is for Active Duty Local 1014 members only. We have many issues to discuss including bargaining, the fringe contract we just settled, staffing and operations, as well as the Covid vaccine issue. We will have legal experts and medical experts at the Union Hall on Tuesday with good information and answers to specific legal and medical questions as we navigate this item with the County.
As a reminder, we have staff in the building so please bring your mask as this is an indoor forum. We know many of you may not be able to attend because of staffing or personal obligations, so we will also be hosting a Covid Vaccine Webinar the following Tuesday, September 21st with questions and answers as well as legal and medical expert. Mark your calendars and get your questions ready in advance and as we roll in the webinar.
Thank you for your continued resolve and solidarity as we handle this issue and bargain with the County over the impact on our members.
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