Member Update: Mandatory Weekly Eight-Hour Overtime Shift

Your Executive Board has received numerous questions from members regarding the Department’s notice of a mandatory weekly eight-hour overtime shift for employees assigned to Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall (LPJH).

Today, the Executive Board met with Chief Deputy of Operations Robert Arcos and his team, including Monica Gastelum, Superintendent of the Central Scheduling Unit, and representatives from Employee Relations, to discuss the mandatory overtime requirement.

The Department stated that mandatory overtime is necessary to meet its operational needs and that management is sensitive to employees’ needs. Department representatives also indicated that they are open to suggestions from the Union.

In response, the Executive Board proposed the following:

• Use volunteers without imposing overtime caps.

• Allow employees to swap overtime shifts.

• Offer compressed 4/40 work schedules.

• Consider a 56-hour work schedule as a way to address staffing needs and minimize mandatory holdovers.

• Allow employees to select the days on which they work overtime.

• Acquire annex facilities where employees can rest, shower, and eat.

• Establish a process for addressing hardships, including medical needs, elder care, childcare, vacations, and FMLA leave.

• Consider travel-related challenges, particularly for employees who commute long distances.

The Department agreed to meet with the Union again to consider these proposals and respond to questions submitted by the membership. Today’s meeting was productive, and the Executive Board will continue to keep members informed about our efforts.

The Union will ask the Department to delay implementation of the mandatory overtime requirement until there has been a full opportunity to consider and address the proposed alternatives.

If you have additional questions, please email me at cchambers@afscme685.com.

In solidarity,

President Chambers

On behalf of the Executive Board

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Chief Negotiator to Attend August General Membership Meeting

Don Washington, Local 685's Chief Negotiator, will attend the August General Membership Meeting on Thursday, August 13, at the Union Hall.

As a reminder, all General Membership and Steward Meetings are in person at 7:00 pm at the Union Hall (3375 E Slauson Ave, Ste. 151, Vernon, CA 90058). Click here for the schedule of meetings.

This is an important opportunity for members to hear directly from our chief negotiator and discuss issues affecting the membership. Please plan to attend and bring your questions and concerns.

On behalf of the Executive Board, we look forward to seeing you there.

President Chambers