Update on Article 15 Transfer Rights Grievance

Brothers and Sisters,

We want to provide an important update regarding the Union’s grievance challenging the involuntary transfer of Deputy Probation Officer IIs under Article 15, Section 2 of the Memorandum of Understanding.

As many members know, Attorney Tom Yu filed a Grievance General in Character (GIC) on behalf of affected members concerning transfer rights and the County’s authority to involuntarily transfer DPO IIs under the circumstances outlined in the grievance.

The Probation Department has now notified Mr. Yu that it is mutually waiving the Department Level 1 hearing and directing the grievance to proceed directly to the Chief Executive Office (CEO) for a Level 2 hearing.

While we cannot speculate on the ultimate outcome, this development is significant. By bypassing the Department-level hearing and advancing the matter directly to CEO, the issue will now be reviewed at a higher level within County management. In our view, this indicates that the matter raises important questions regarding the interpretation and application of Article 15.

The Union remains committed to protecting members’ contractual rights and ensuring that any transfers are conducted in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding. We will continue to aggressively pursue this grievance and keep members informed as the process moves forward.

We recognize the uncertainty and disruption these transfers have caused many members and their families. Thank you to everyone who has remained engaged, shared information, and stood together throughout this process.

We will provide additional updates as soon as they become available.

In Solidarity,

Curtis Chambers

President