AFSCME Local 685

08/05/2026

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of Local 685, our labor partners, and the members who made their voices heard, the Board of Supervisors continued Agenda Item #22 rather than moving forward with the proposed Civil Service Rule changes today. It was a nail biter and we appreciate the last minute rally!

This is an important step. The continuance gives the unions adequate time to continue meeting with the County, fully evaluate the proposals, and advocate for the due process and workplace protections our members deserve.

Local 685 has consistently participated in these discussions in good faith, and today’s outcome reflects the importance of allowing that process to continue before any changes are adopted.

Thank you to every member who called in and stood with the union. Your participation made a difference.

We will keep members informed as the discussions move forward.

08/04/2026

AFSCME Local 685 has continued to meet in good faith with County management in an effort to resolve the proposed Civil Service Rule (CSR) changes. We have approached these discussions professionally and constructively, and we have been good partners throughout the process. Despite those ongoing negotiations, the Board of Supervisors appears prepared to move forward with Agenda Item #22 at 1:00 PM today.

How to Participate by Phone
Phone: (213) 306-3065
Access Code: 2535 076 7753
Password: 2672026
Agenda Item: 22

Suggested Talking Points:
- My name is [state name] and I’m a [state classification and work location].
- I am calling as a member of AFSCME Local 685 regarding Agenda Item #22.
- My union is continuing to meet in good faith to resolve the issues underlying this proposal.
- Labor has been a constructive partner with the CEO's Office throughout this process.
- It is inappropriate to move forward under the guise of a staffing emergency when nothing in this motion addresses the actual staffing crisis.
- Please allow these good faith negotiations to continue by continuing Agenda Item #22 for three months.
- Thank you.

Learn more here: https://www.afscmelocal685.com/post/action-alert-board-of-supervisors-hearing-today-at-1-00-pm

07/29/2026

07/23/2026

Important update from President Chambers.

Your Executive Board has received numerous questions from members regarding the Department’s notice of a mandatory weekly eight-hour overtime shift for employees assigned to Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall (LPJH).Today, the Executive Board met with Chief Deputy of Operations Robert Arcos and his team, ...

07/20/2026

A message from Attorney Tom Yu:

Message from Attorney Tom Yu:The Union has achieved an important legal victory on behalf of one of our members.A Deputy Probation Officer II had been criminally prosecuted for allegedly submitting fraudulent medical documentation to the Department. After the District Attorney’s Office declined our...

06/26/2026

We have an important update for all members regarding the Article 15 Transfer Rights Grievance.

This case goes to the heart of protecting our transfer rights. We encourage every member to stay informed as this process moves forward.

Read the latest update here and share it with your coworkers:
https://www.afscmelocal685.com/post/update-on-article-15-transfer-rights-grievance

Brothers and Sisters,We want to provide an important update regarding the Union’s grievance challenging the involuntary transfer of Deputy Probation Officer IIs under Article 15, Section 2 of the Memorandum of Understanding.As many members know, Attorney Tom Yu filed a Grievance General in Charact...

06/19/2026

This Juneteenth, we celebrate the resilience and leadership of black workers who’ve paved the way for freedom and equal opportunities for all. Let us honor them by recommitting ourselves to the fight for safe working conditions and fair pay for working people.

06/15/2026

🚨 Major Developments in the County’s $4 Billion AB 218 Settlements

DA Nathan Hochman has asked the court to halt payments while his office investigates allegations that many claims may be fraudulent.

Local 685 and Teamsters 986 are calling for accountability, reforms, and due process.

Our co-workers have lived with the consequences for years. They deserve fairness, and the truth matters.

📖 Read our latest newsletter article below.

Sisters and Brothers,For years, many of us have lived with the pain of seeing our profession publicly vilified and our co-workers – both active and retired – unfairly painted with a broad brush. We have watched friends and colleagues endure accusations they were never given the opportunity to co...

06/10/2026

Dear Sisters and Brothers: Please consider participating in an important confidential and anonymous research survey examining the impact of Probation leadership on employee engagement, operational effectiveness, and rehabilitation outcomes.

There is very little research focused specifically on probation departments, and your experience matters. The survey takes just 5-7 minutes to complete, and no identifying information will be collected.

Strong participation will help ensure the findings accurately reflect the realities faced by our workforce.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey before June 30.

https://avenew.jotform.com/260788917521063

In solidarity,

Curtis Chambers
President, AFSCME Local 685