PPOA Second Vice President
Custody Assistant, LASD
tcoleman@ppoa.com
With drafting and staffing continuing to be an issue, we encourage you to ask questions to confirm if some of the methods being used are in line with policy. A unit’s objective is to staff an in-service, and some circumstances are unavoidable. But how it’s done could be problematic.
There have been times recently when matters of drafting or pre-drafting have come into question. Sometimes, it’s interpreted incorrectly or not understood clearly. Through collaborative efforts with the units themselves or through the Board of Labor Relations and Compliance (BOLRAC), we have avoided some members having their lives and family time more adversely affected than it already is.
A good scheduling unit will check and explain policy and or inquire with the union, BOLRAC, or both. In instances where scheduling changes are involved, all the aforementioned parties will engage in a meet-to-confer to ensure the rights of impacted members are protected, their concerns are heard, and their interests are covered.
We understand these times are difficult for both the units and the employees, but your protections as they relate to policy and your rights are always a concern to be spoken for and defended within the scope of the policy.
Rumors are disruptive to any process of trying to make improvements. I thank those of you who choose to reach out and ask directly what is taking place, what is fact and what is not. I encourage others to do the same, if not for their own peace of mind but for their colleagues, as well.
Numbers and percentages are swirling around, causing added frustrations without cause. If there comes a point where those types of discussions are formal, it will be stated to the degree to which it does not jeopardize the integrity of those discussions. Seek and relay the facts — don’t take part in hearsay or innuendo. The timing and political and social economic climate in these instances can be equally important.
When you do have time away from work, I encourage you to decompress as best as you can. Enjoy your family, friends and hobbies and just as important, get some rest. The mental fatigue and self-care behind it are just as impactful as the physical.
Take care of each other and be safe.