As many of you have heard, management at the LA County Dept. of Animal Care and Control has begun unilaterally changing employees’ work shifts with zero regard for our previously scheduled commitments. This kind of move can wreak a lot of unnecessary havoc, impacting everything from people’s childcare and elder care commitments to medical appointments and more.
Going from something like a 4/10 to a 5/40 schedule is also a potential violation of our union’s MOU. Our contract states that we are entitled to between five days to ten days notice. For union Stewards, the language states that the department must negotiate with the union.
SEIU 721 did not sit by the wayside and allow clear violations of our MOU. We directed our attorney to deliver a Cease & Desist letter, declaring the department’s actions an Unfair Labor Practice and demanding that they reverse course.
Our demands were clear. We demanded that the LA County Dept. of Animal Care and Control respect our Stewards – respect our MOU – and respect us!
Now, we have good news to report. One of our union Stewards – Lt. Frank Medina – recently won his third level disciplinary hearing on this issue!
His well-deserved outcome makes us even more determined to continue fighting for justice. Throughout it all, SEIU 721 union Stewards have been weathering this entire storm with bravery and determination. Management has shown a level of disrespect towards them that is blatantly unacceptable.
This isn’t over. Our union’s victory at Lt. Medina’s third level disciplinary hearing is just the start.
We will continue supporting our Stewards. We will continue enforcing our MOU. And we will continue reporting more on this matter in the days ahead. We remain #UnionStrong!