February 2008
CHIEF OF LABOR RELATIONS CORNER
Specialized Peace Officer Unit Negotiations Update
On January 9th SEBA mailed out contract surveys to all members of the Specialized Peace Officer and Specialized Peace Officer Supervisory bargaining units. These surveys will be used to determine what the major issues are to the membership. The negotiating team along with SEBA Attorney Richard Levine will be reviewing the returned surveys in early February to create the initial set of proposals. Negotiations are scheduled to begin by the end of March. The current MOU expires at Midnight on
June 20, 2008. I will keep you updated on the process of the negotiations.
Voting for Seniority Scheduling
In February, SEBA members who work at the Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Big Bear, Twin Peaks and Victorville stations will be voting to determine if those working at these stations want Seniority Scheduling. The election will be conducted by the Inland Valley Arbitration and Mediation Service (IVAMS). The election will not be considered valid unless at least fifty-percent (50%) of the deputies working at their respective stations vote.
Shift Adjustment / Overtime Issues
It has come to SEBA’s attention that deputies are being asked to change or modify their shifts so the sheriff’s department does not have to pay overtime.
Under the Pay Period article of the Safety MOU, specifically page 39, is language that determines who, when and why a shift can be modified. In a nutshell the department must give you 48 hours notice before changing a deputy’s shift. Furthermore, even if they provide 48 hours notice they cannot change your shift for the primary purpose of avoiding overtime. Lastly, unlike other MOU’s, the Safety MOU does not allow a deputy to waive the 48 hour notice.
Remember, when you work overtime it is your right to choose to take either the overtime pay or comp time.
Hazardous Materials Unit Ratifies Tentative Agreement
The members of the Hazardous Materials Unit ratified the tentative agreement on December 29th with 86% of the membership voting to accept the agreement. The Board of Supervisors ratified the agreement on January 15, 2008.
If you have any questions about this article send me an email at meagleson@seba.biz or call me at the SEBA office.
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