OC Animal Care Schedule Concerns

We have received reports from some of your co-workers about a possible schedule change for field staff in Animal Care, a potential move away from the current 4/10 schedule to a 5/40 schedule. We immediately followed up with HR to make sure we are getting accurate information. Here’s what we have learned so far:

• Management is assessing alternative schedules as a cost savings measure and for efficiency;
• As of now, no decision has been made regarding a scheduling change;
• Any scheduling change requires a “Meet-and-Confer” process as per our MOU;
• OCEA staff and Animal Care Stewards will assess management’s plan to make sure it conforms to stated goals;
• OCEA will vigorously defend your rights to a fair process.

Meet and Confer
State statutes and regulations require the County to give reasonable written notice to OCEA of any law, rule, resolution, or regulation directly relating to matters within the scope of union representation. Your work schedule and its impact on you and your families is within that scope. The County is also required to give “recognized employee organizations [such as OCEA] the opportunity to meet and confer with the administrative officials or their delegated representatives.”

Management does have the right to set reasonable work schedules, however, we can make sure that they comply with our MOU and other workplace agreements.

We will monitor the situation carefully and will communicate with you as this issue develops. It is important that we acquire and share accurate information only. Standing together, we can control rumors and put ourselves in the best possible position to fight back if necessary.

Publication Date: May 16, 2019