16.1     Application

If an employee’s position is abolished and they are unable to displace another County employee as provided in Section 15, they shall receive severance pay of one week of pay for each full year (2080 hours) of regular service to the County, and, fifty percent (50%) of the cash value of the employee’s unused sick leave; provided, however that such employee shall be eligible for severance pay only if they remain in the service of the County until their services are no longer required by the department head. The County shall make every effort to secure comparable employment for the displaced employee in other departments. If such employment is secured, the employee will not be entitled to the aforementioned severance pay.

Severance pay as described in Section 16.1 shall not be denied because an employee refuses to take a position requiring twenty-nine (29) hours or less work per week.

16.2     Health Benefits Following Layoff

The County will pay the County share of the premium for nine (9) months of medical coverage only for employees who are laid off. This coverage is contingent on the following conditions;

  1. The employee has not refused a County job offer.
  2. The employee is unemployed.
  3. The employee continues to pay their share of the premium.
  4. The coverage is for health insurance only, and does not cover dental or vision insurance; and
  5. Such coverage runs concurrently with COBRA and CalCOBRA.

16.3     Educational Stipend

If an employee is laid off and not reemployed by the County through a transfer, demotion, or displacement of another employee, the County will pay up to four thousand dollars ($4,000) for tuition or fees in payment for accredited courses or training taken within twelve (12) months of layoff, and taken for the purpose of finding new employment. The administration of this new benefit will be determined by mutual agreement between the County and the Union.

2015-09-23