PPOA Board Member
Security Officer, LASD
ggarcia@ppoa.com
As we enter April, we have some news regarding the uniform proposal for Sheriff’s Security Officers (SSOs) and Sheriff’s Security Assistants (SSAs). By a 65% majority, SSOs and SSAs who completed the PPOA uniform survey selected the green Department shirt and the green Department pants as their top choice. I will keep you informed as we take the next steps toward this potential uniform change proposal.
For those at County Services Bureau (CSB), we are waiting on further information from CSB and Employee Relations regarding the potential job reassignment for numerous employees. I am very much involved and want to assure you that PPOA is doing everything possible to look out for our impacted members.
For those at College Bureau, we have heard good news about the contract and are committed to making sure that PPOA members are the number one priority. As changes occur, we are monitoring and assisting as needed.
For Courts personnel, I had the pleasure of being at the training events in February and March. While talking with members there, I was able to share information and address questions. If you were not present for those trainings and have questions for me, make sure to send me an email at ggarcia@ppoa.com and I will respond as soon as possible.
One of my roles at PPOA is to participate as a member of the Legislative Committee and familiarize myself with Assembly and Senate bills that may be of importance to us. For instance, our lobbyists are engaged in talks with legislators regarding amending Senate Bill 1159, which is a workers’ comp bill designed to assist critical employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Naturally, I want to make sure SSOs and SSAs are protected in the finalized bill language. I found out that since the pandemic hit, many bills were put on hold in Sacramento, and they are now being addressed once again. Once I get more information, I will pass it along through these Star & Shield articles.
Please let me know if you have not received your POST identification number. Remember, that number will be carried wherever you go in this Department or with any other department that may be in your future. Also, if you are an SSO, please double-check on the POST website that you have the 832 P.C. training added. This may have come in two components for some of you. If you have any issues, please contact PPOA or me to make sure we are all on the same page regarding training.
On to other news that is of interest to our membership in general. PPOA has sent a formal letter to the County regarding bargaining Unit 621 negotiations. I am honored to be on the negotiations team. By the time you read this, our team will have met on no less than three occasions to strategize and submit our proposals to the County. Our first negotiations session with the County will occur on April 20. I appreciate those of you who have sent me great topics and ideas for our bargaining unit. I wholeheartedly agree that we do need a raise. Please also know that our Fringe Benefits contract is currently being negotiated with the County. You can find regular updates about this in the PPOA Week in Review email sent to members every Saturday morning.
While we all work together through the ups and downs of the Department and County, please look out for each other and stay safe.