The County and Organization agree that professional, productive, and positive labor relations can be accomplished when Organization and County representatives work together to support the services we provide to the public. To support this philosophy, the parties have agreed to the provisions regarding attendance at meetings and handling of meetings. Paid release time is intended to support the collaboration and cooperative spirit of labor relations by ensuring that Organization members have access to resources designed to help support their continued success as public employees and that Organization leaders have an opportunity to work together to support the success of their members.
County employees who are official representatives of the Organization shall be given reasonable time off with pay, including reasonable travel time, to formally meet and confer or consult with management representatives on matters within the scope of representation; to be present at hearings where matters within the scope of representation are being considered; to testify or appear as the designated representative of the Organization in settlement conferences, hearings, or other proceedings before PERB, in matters relating to an unfair practice charge; or to testify or appear as the designated representative of the Organization in matters before the Civil Service Commission. The use of official time for this purpose shall be reasonable and shall not interfere with the performance of County services as determined by the County. Such representatives shall submit written requests for excused absences to Employee Relations at least two (2) working days prior to the scheduled meeting whenever possible. Except by agreement with Employee Relations, the number of employees excused for such purposes shall not exceed three (3) at any one time. If any employee’s request for excused absence is not approved, such disapproval shall be subject to appeal to the County Manager whose decision shall be final.