01. Labor Relations
“Labor Relations” refers to interactions between an employer (management) and an employee organization (union). For public sector employers in the State of California, the Meyers-Milias-BrownRead More →
A. What is the role of a union?
MMBA provides employees the right to choose a union to represent them in matters of wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment. MMBARead More →
B. What is the difference between a union business agent and a steward?
Unions generally have paid employees known as “business agents,” “union representatives,” “labor representatives,” “worksite organizers,” etc. These individuals are employed and paid by the union.Read More →
C. What are a steward’s rights regarding attendance at meetings?
Stewards are entitled to reasonable paid official time (also called “release time”) to represent employees in investigations or at grievance meetings, to attend meetings whereRead More →
D. When is an employee entitled to union representation at a meeting with their supervisor?
The “Weingarten” decision states that an employee is entitled to representation at any meeting where an investigatory interview is being conducted or where the employeeRead More →
E. How do stewards request release time, and must it always be granted?
When a meeting is being held for which release time is provided, the union sends a written request to Employee & Labor Relations indicating theRead More →
F. What is “prior notification,” and why is it required?
By statute and contract, unions have the right to be notified about planned changes in the terms and conditions of employment, and to meet andRead More →
G. What is “meet and confer?”
As part of the County’s relationship with the employee organizations, and as required by California law, management must provide reasonable advance written notice to employeeRead More →
Positions Represented by Unions
MOUs are found online at https://www.smcgov.org/hr/memorandum-understanding-mouRead More →
Sample Notice to Union(S)
[DATE] [UNION PERSON][UNION NAME][ADDRESS] Dear [UNION PERSON]: We have been experiencing problems with weekend registrations in our customer service center. We are required to provideRead More →