L.A. County moves to set up worker-driven COVID-19 compliance councils

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to create worker-run public health councils in an attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus in work environments.

“This is an all-hands-on-deck moment and I’m proud that L.A. County is launching this first-in-the-nation program,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, who authored the motion.

“As COVID-19 caseloads rise again, it is imperative that every employer and employee do their utmost to fully implement public health protocols to ensure the safety of members of the public as well as employees and their families.”

Los Angeles County is experiencing a surge of new cases and higher transmission rates. Many significant outbreaks of the virus have occurred in workplaces, from food processing plants to apparel companies.

The idea of workplace monitors was first floated by Kuehl and Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas in July. Since then, county staffers have been meeting with business and labor groups, and acting CEO Fesia Davenport has been trying to identify funding for the program.

County health workers will partner with certified worker organizations to support employees who want to form councils and train them on protocols so they can help monitor compliance. Participation is voluntary. The board also directed county counsel to draft an anti-retaliation ordinance to protect employees who may identify possible violations.

“Every worker has the right to feel safe in their workplace and to voice concerns without fear of losing their job,” said Ridley-Thomas, who co-authored the motion. “The Public Health Councils and proposed anti-retaliation ordinance will protect thousands of workers and provide the tools desperately needed to curb workplace infections during the pandemic.”

The county’s resources are stretched thin in managing outreach to communities where large outbreaks have occurred and monitoring workplace compliance.

Department of Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer told the board Tuesday her department plans to train hundreds more health workers from partner agencies to help with education and outreach.

The motion acknowledged that workplace councils are another way to enlist help in limiting the spread of the virus.

“DPH cannot do this work alone, and help is urgently needed. In these unprecedented times, the county is utilizing all its resources, including employers and workers, to keep the public safe,” the motion concluded.

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