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 employee organizations whenever it intends to implement a rule or workplace change that will likely affect employees in that department or unit. San Mateo County has incorporated this requirement into each of its Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).

At the employee organization’s request, management has the obligation to meet and confer regarding the matter before implementation occurs, even if you have involved the employees in developing the planned changes and they are in agreement.