COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Employee & Public Services

Department of Public Works

DATE:

June 4, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 29, 2004

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Mary Welch, Employee & Public Services Director

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Amendment to the Memoranda of Understanding with the San Mateo County Council of Engineers (SMCCE) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - Safety Shoes for Field Personnel

Recommendation

Adopt resolutions authorizing the President of the Board to execute amendments to the Memoranda of Understanding with the San Mateo County Council of Engineers (SMCCE) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Previous Board Action

Authorized Memoranda of Understandings with the Building Construction and Trades Council (BCTC) and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) that included the furnishing of safety shoe vouchers or allowances to employees in classifications in Public Works that have the potential of incurring foot injuries in the course of doing assigned work.

Key Facts

The Department recently met with union representatives for the employees who perform field survey work (SMCCE and SEIU) and agreed that a safety shoe program should be implemented for these employees.

Discussion

The program that was discussed and which we are recommending be approved will cover three employees in two classifications, Associate Engineer (SMCCE) and Public Works Technician (SEIU). Specifics of the agreement reached include:

Ø

Eligible employees will receive a direct payment of $175 every two years, beginning in June 2004, for the purchase of safety shoes that meet Department guidelines.

Ø

Employees who are designated as “eligible” will be required to wear approved safety shoes while performing all fieldwork.

Vision Alignment

We believe our recommendation is consistent with the Shared Vision Commitment to be a “responsive, effective and collaborative government,” and Goal Number 20, “government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain,” as requiring and providing safety shoes will minimize the risk of employee foot injuries into the future.

Fiscal Impact

The estimated annual cost for the shoe allowance is $262.50 ($525.00 every two years) and is proposed to be funded from the Engineering Services Budget Unit. There is no impact to the General Fund.

Forms of resolutions have been approved by County Counsel.