In order to minimize the impact of the elimination of hospital call at the Santa Maria Women’s Health Care Center, the County of Santa Barbara and UAPD reached a side-letter agreement in late August. As a result of the agreement, there will be no layoffs of UAPD members in the Santa Maria Women’s Health Care Center through the term of the current UAPD MOU. Current UAPD members who are affected by the elimination of hospital call will continue to receive a 5% special duty allowance for hospital practice, plus $1500 per month for approximately six months, unless they separate from county service. Both parties agree to reopen negotiations on the side-letter at the request of either party anytime after six months from the effective date of the agreement.
