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Adopt a resolution approving the Side Letter with the Service Employees International Union Local #1021 to amend the Memorandum of Understanding for Unit 7, Regulatory, Technical, and General Services, to add the Agricultural/Weights and Measures Aide classification series eligible for an annual $250 safety boot reimbursement; and Authorize the Director of Human Resources to make any technical corrections necessary to effectuate the intent of the Side Letter
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Human Resources (Department) recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution approving the Side Letter with the Service Employees International Union Local #1021 (“SEIU”), to amend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Unit 7 Regulatory, Technical, and General Services, to add the Agricultural/Weights and Measures Aide classification series eligible for an annual $250 safety boot reimbursement; and Authorize the Director of Human Resources to make any technical corrections necessary to effectuate the intent of the Side Letter.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On March 24, 2026, the Board adopted a successor collective bargaining agreement between the County and SEIU Local #1021, representing Bargaining Unit 7, among others, for the term of March 24, 2026, through September 30, 2028. One of the negotiated provisions requires employees eligible for boot reimbursement to procure and wear boots in accordance with legally mandated safety requirements or as required by the department head.
The signed total tentative agreement and the MOU presented to the Board on March 24, 2026, did not include the Agricultural/Weights and Measures Aide classification series among the classifications covered under Section 8.5.4. Uniform Allowance - Protective Attire. The County and the Department of Agriculture intend for employees in the Agricultural/Weights and Measures Aide classification series to wear safety boots while performing field assignments. Therefore, the classification series is recommended to be added to the list of classifications eligible for the boot reimbursement.
Additionally, the MOU for Unit 87, SEIU, representing Extra Help (EH) employees, includes an existing provision that provides a $250 boot reimbursement every two years for EH employees in the listed classifications. Accordingly, EH employees in the Agricultural/Weights and Measures Aide classification will also be eligible for a $250 boot reimbursement every two years pursuant to the Unit 87 MOU.
Representatives of the County and SEIU met and conferred in good faith on the proposed changes to Section 8.5 of the MOU. The executed Side Letter is included as Attachment B.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The estimated cost to the Department of Agriculture for the two employees currently in the affected classification series is $500 annually in FY2026/27, $500 in FY2027/28, and $500 in FY2028/29.
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2026/27 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could elect to not approve the resolution between the County and SEIU; however, this is not recommended because the County and SEIU have met and conferred in good faith pursuant to the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act and have agreed to add the Agricultural/Weights and Measures Aide classification series to the classifications eligible for an annual $250 safety boot reimbursement through the expiration of the successor collective bargaining agreement on September 30, 2028.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Human Resources and SEIU participated in the meet-and-confer process resulting in the Side Letter.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION