The Hemet Clinic workers know all too well that every day the County drags its feet on putting in place real safety protections, is another day the Hemet Clinic staff run the risk of being violently attacked or being killed.

That’s why we’re taking the initiative to learn how to defend and protect ourselves, and our co-workers at the Hemet Clinic!

Now more than ever, it’s critical that we continue flexing our collective strength and continue speaking out to make Riverside County the employer of choice.

Dozens of Behavioral Health Specialists, Clinical Therapists, and other care professionals gave insight into the on-going and troubling number of violent incidents that have taken place on the clinic’s premises. One by one they scribbled on a giant board their solutions to the safety crisis, solutions that ranged from fencing the employee parking to better-trained security on the County’s clinics premises.

On December 15, 2016, SEIU Local 721 filed a group grievance on behalf of Hemet Clinic care professionals against Riverside County to implement proper safety measures within 15 days of the filing. The legal filing cites County employees’ growing fear of being fatally attacked while on the job, and the serious need to better protect the patients they serve.

We will continue to fight – at our worksites and at the table – for real investment to restore and strengthen County services. United, we will continue to champion fair wages and workplace safety for all County members.

The new contract includes $1,500 in bonuses by July 1, 2017, raises of between 6% -15% during the life of the contract, new paid holidays, and an increase in employer contributions for healthcare over the first year of the contract