County of Tulare Prevails

The county has prevailed in investigations by the California Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) on allegations of unfair labor practices brought by the Services Employee International Union Local 521 (SEIU). The agency’s final decision issued last November stands in dismissing the charge against the county.

“The impact of PERB upholding the County’s actions saves taxpayer funds of almost $3 million,” stated Board Chairman Mike Ennis. “As a Board, we hope to settle all PERB cases to avoid any future use of taxpayer dollars in defending its actions during bargaining.” 

SEIU alleged misconduct in labor negotiations by the county citing a failure to bargain in good faith by not imposing the last, best, and final offer (LBFO); by suspending the furloughs and restoring the wage reduction. The dispute stems from a 2009 labor contract which included a cost-savings request by the county during the Great Recession.  

PERB previously issued a decision in favor of the county over the matter and SEIU filed a Request for Reconsideration on November 24, 2015. That request was denied by the Board and the original decision stands, supporting the county’s actions and the charge against the county is dismissed. SEIU has until the March 30 deadline to file a writ with the Fifth District Court of Appeals if it wishes to proceed any further on the case.