AFSCME Local 685

09/07/2026

09/04/2026

Can rehabilitation happen without safe staffing?

Every day, Local 685 members help change lives. But real rehabilitation requires more than good intentions. It requires enough trained probation professionals to build relationships, provide accountability, and keep youth, staff, and our communities safe.

Read why safe staffing isn’t just a workplace issue; it’s the foundation of successful rehabilitation. ⬇️

Rehabilitation is central to juvenile justice. But a release date, weekend pass, or completed program is not a rehabilitation plan. Young people have the best chance to succeed when safe facilities, consistent supervision, trained officers, treatment, education, family guidance, community support, a...

09/01/2026

Local 685 delegates returned from the AFSCME International Convention with new connections, new perspectives, and one clear message: we are not alone.

The convention also marked an important leadership transition for AFSCME, with delegates electing new International leadership.

In this special edition, Local 685 leaders and rank & file members share their firsthand reflections on public safety, bargaining, union democracy, national advocacy, and what these lessons mean for Local 685 members here in L.A. County.

Read the full newsletter: “We Are Not Alone: Reflections from the AFSCME Convention.”

AFSCME Elects New International Union Leadership Delegates to AFSCME’s 47th International Convention elected Patrick Moran as International President and Nicole Pollard as International Secretary-Treasurer, marking a new chapter for the 1.4-million-member union. Moran succeeds Lee Saunders, who ...

08/19/2026

BREAKING NEWS: While you were on duty, your union was fighting an eleventh-hour threat in Sacramento. After an intense 24 hours and a united show of labor strength, Senator Menjivar pulled SB 357.

Here’s what happened behind the scenes, and how Local 685 helped stop it — again. Read the full story:

A 24-hour fight in Sacramento ends with Senator Menjivar pulling the bill by Barb Maynard, Consultant, AFSCME Local 685Dear Sisters and Brothers, While Local 685 members were on duty and catching some well-earned rest – and your union leadership was in Chicago representing you at the AFSCME Intern...

08/14/2026

There’s a lot happening at Local 685, and today's newsletter is packed with important updates, including Article 15 arbitration, our fight against proposed Civil Service Rule changes, getting members back to work, the AB 218 investigation, and next week’s AFSCME Convention.

Please take a few minutes to read the full update and stay informed about the issues affecting our members and our profession.

Read the latest Local 685 newsletter here:

This Week at Local 685: Arbitration, Civil Service Rules, Return to Work & MoreLocal 685 Executive Board2 minutes ago9 min readArticle 15 Transfer Rights Grievance Moves to Expedited ArbitrationBrothers and Sisters,I want to provide an important update on the Union’s grievance challenging the invo...

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

07/23/2026

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...