This morning (4/6/22), PPOA filed for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the LA County Board of Supervisors (BOS) from permanently changing the County Code/Civil Service Rules and undermining the entirety of established County labor relations. Fortunately, a hearing on this matter was granted and is scheduled for 8:30AM tomorrow (4/7/22) morning.
Background: Yesterday, the BOS agenda included Item #80 — a proposed amendment to Civil Service Rules which would “provide the Director of Personnel authority to discipline any County employee for noncompliance with the County of Los Angeles’ COVID-19 Vaccination Policy or related directives.” A number of PPOA members, including President Tab Rhodes, called in to the virtual BOS meeting to express firm opposition to the proposal. Despite the input from union members, the BOS voted 4-1 to add Rule 18.10 to County Civil Service Rules (Supervisor Kathryn Barger cast the lone dissenting vote.)
The Board’s action not only undermines the authority of the Sheriff, but it also violates negotiated labor contracts, the Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights and the County’s duty to meet and confer with PPOA on this matter.
As the certified representative for Bargaining Units 612, 614, 621 and 631/632, PPOA filed for the TRO to prevent the County from permanently changing the Civil Service Rules. This application for preliminary injunctive relief was made on the grounds that the new amendment will cause immediate and irreparable injury to PPOA members (due to circumventing negotiated contracts) and the potential for mass discharges of County peace officers.
PPOA remains steadfastly committed to fighting against this decision from the Board of Supervisors. We will update members on the outcome of tomorrow’s hearing and any further developments as they occur.