Our Union, AFSCME Local 685, was founded on May 10, 1945 by a group of World War II veterans who sought to create an outstanding Probation Department for Los Angeles County. The new Union was granted a charter by AFSCME in 1969. Under the strong leadership of John Seferian and Henry Fiering, the Union won an election that made Local 685 the recognized certified majority representative of all probation peace officers and Pre-Trial Investigators in the Probation Department and in that year we negotiated our first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Local 685 also proudly represents the Group Supervisors and Transportation Workers in DCFS.

Local 685 has been charged with, and has always maintained, the responsibility of protecting the rights of union members employed by the L.A. County Probation Department. Our elected union leaders negotiates, on behalf of the membership, all matters concerning wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions with the Department. Since 1969, Local 685 has successfully negotiated every new contract with Los Angeles County political and bureaucratic leaders, and we have effectively represented Local 685 members in every aspect of dealing with the Probation Department and Department of Children & Family Services.