On October 28th, UAPD and Santa Cruz County met for the 6th session in this round of bargaining. With one more session scheduled before the expiration of the current contract on Nov 11th–and more importantly the difference in proposals–it is likely that negotiations will continue beyond the expiration of the current contract. While the protections and terms of the current contract remain in place because of applicable labor laws, our doctors will not see much-needed improvements to terms and conditions, including wages, until a new agreement is reached and ultimately ratified by a majority of UAPD members.
UAPD has provided the County with a comprehensive proposal which included non-economic priorities as well as specifics on economics that would protect the interest and welfare of the public by establishing conditions for the recruitment and retention of permanent doctors. In contrast, the County’s counter proposal would firmly set us on a course for seeing real wages decline.
In future sessions, UAPD plans to present a careful analysis County’s initial offer and how it falls short of what is needed. Furthermore, we plan to engage in meaningful dialogue on all proposals made by either side. In order to be prepared to discuss one of management’s proposal to replace overtime compensation with administrative leave, I need to know from you the average amount of hours you work per week beyond your regularly scheduled hours whether or not you are approved or paid for the additional hours.
Please email Albert Muñpz at amunoz@uapd.com with an estimate for the additional hours you work. Please indicate whether you are part-time or full-time and how the additional hours are used. If you regularly work additional hours but do not request compensation, please indicate that as well.
We are currently working on setting up a meeting to discuss the progress of negotiations as a group. Once arrangements are finalized a notice will be sent out.