Local 685 Member Update: Standing Strong Amid Ongoing Challenges

Today, Local 685 President Eddie Chism and 2^nd Vice President & Chief Steward Jonathan Byrd will join Chief Viera Rosa at the receivership hearing scheduled for 10:00 AM at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse.

“We are grateful for every Local 685 member who continues to show up in the halls and camps each day under extraordinarily difficult conditions. Your commitment to youth, to one another, and to the values of this department remains the foundation on which any real progress must be built,” said President Chism.

As previously reported, on Friday, October 17, Chief Viera Rosa met with the Local 685 Executive Board for a focused discussion about stabilizing operations and improving conditions for member. While the situation remains challenging, the meeting produced several concrete steps that reflect a commitment to rebuild trust and restore a functional labor–management partnership.

Key outcomes included:

• Agreement to reset the labor-management partnership and enhance regular communication moving forward.

• Compressed 4/40 schedules approved for staff reassigned to Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall (BJN) and Juvenile Hall (JH).

• Right of first refusal for CVK staff currently working at BJN to return to CVK when positions reopen.

• Approval of sexual abuse prevention training.

• Joint recognition of the extraordinary efforts of staff working at LP and BJN during severe staffing shortages.

• Acknowledgment of the members taking on significant overtime to maintain safety and operations.

• A follow-up meeting planned to address continuing staff concerns.

• Ongoing communication between Acting Chief of Operations Robert Arcos and Executive Board members.

• Invitation for President Chism to attend court hearings to receive first-hand information on department oversight.

While the path ahead remains difficult, these steps represent cautious progress. The union will continue to advocate firmly and consistently for safe conditions, stable staffing, and respect for the professional judgment of those on the front line.

Further updates will be shared following tomorrow’s hearing and subsequent discussions.