Local 685 Update: Defending Our Rights & Demanding Accountability from the Department

FROM THE DESK OF THE CHIEF STEWARD

Brothers and Sisters,

Today, I write to you with a powerful message of resistance and solidarity. On behalf of the Local 685 Executive Board, we have sent a clear and direct communication to the LA County CEO and the Probation Chief. Click here to read letter. Our stance is non-negotiable:

The Department's unilateral actions as outlined in the June 6th Notice and its FAQs are unacceptable, and we will not tolerate them without a fight.

1. No More Unilateral Action—We Demand to Bargain!

The Department’s reckless actions, outlined in the June 6th Notice and FAQs, represent a blatant disregard for our bargaining rights. The Department’s so-called “emergency measures” involving “permanent reassignments” and staff movements are a direct violation of our contract and our rights as a bargaining unit. We will not stand by as the Department unilaterally makes decisions that affect the lives and working conditions of Local 685 members.

Let me make this clear: these changes, including the so-called "permanent reassignments," are not emergency measures—they are blatant attempts to avoid bargaining with us. We demand that the Department immediately correct these unilateral actions and return to the bargaining table, as required by law.

2. Correct the Errors—Seniority Must Be Respected

The Department’s attempt to redefine seniority in the FAQs is nothing short of an insult. The new definition, “seniority within work assignment,” is a blatant attempt to undermine years of established practice. Seniority is, and always has been, based on classification—nothing else. This change is not just an error; it’s a deliberate attack on our long-standing rights and practices.

We will not allow the Department to rewrite history and destabilize our workforce. We demand that the Department correct this misleading definition of seniority, and we will not back down until they do.

3. We Are Ready to Fight—Correct the June 6th Notice

These unilateral actions impact our working conditions and cannot be allowed to stand. Local 685 is demanding immediate action: the Department must rescind and correct the June 6th Notice and the FAQs. If they refuse, we will take every necessary step to force them to comply.

4. Los Padrinos Depopulation—We Will Not Let Our Brothers and Sisters Suffer

As for the depopulation of Los Padrinos, we are taking a firm stand. We have already called on the CEO and the Board of Supervisors to implement emergency bonuses to address the Department’s reckless depopulation plan. Here’s what we’re demanding:

1. 6.10.050 Bonus: We’re calling for 20% above base pay and double overtime for reassignments, transfers, and deployments to ensure staffing levels meet BSCC Title 15 requirements. This bonus is critical for stabilizing staffing and ensuring that our members are compensated fairly for their sacrifice.

2. Work Location Assignment Bonus: We’re demanding a 5.5% bonus for staff working in the following locations, where staffing shortages have been the most severe:

• Los Padrinos

• CVK

• SYTF-pre-adjudicated

• DKC

• Transportation

• RTSB

We will not accept anything less. The approval of these bonuses is not a mere suggestion—it is a demand. These are necessary to keep our brothers and sisters in uniform, to protect our rights, and to ensure compliance with Title 15.

We Will Not Back Down

This is a call to action. The Local 685 Executive Board is standing firm, and we are prepared to take every step necessary to protect our members and our rights. We will not let the Department steamroll us or undermine the hardworking men and women of Local 685.

We will continue to push back against the Department’s attempt to sidestep our rights, and we will not rest until we secure what our members deserve. Stay strong, stay united, and know that we will not back down.

For any questions or concerns, reach out to the Local 685 office. We will continue to keep you updated and mobilized. Together, we are an unshakable force.

In Solidarity,

Jonathan Byrd

Chief Steward, Local 685