LASD union suit says supervisors lack authority to discipline unvaccinated employees

The union representing Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies is asking a judge to declare that the Board of Supervisors does not have legal authority to suspend or fire deputies for noncompliance with the county’s mandatory vaccination order.

The Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs sued Los Angeles County on Friday, also seeking an award of attorneys’ fees and costs associated with bringing the case to court. A representative for the county could not be immediately reached for comment on the Los Angeles Superior Court complaint.

On Aug. 4, the Board of Supervisors established a mandatory vaccination policy requiring all county employees, including those  employed by the sheriff’s department, to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. The board maintains it has the legal authority to subject those failing to comply to disciplinary action, including being fired.

But according to the union’s suit, that disciplinary power rests exclusively with the sheriff and the current holder of that office, Alex Villanueva, has said he will not enforce the county’s vaccination policy due to the adverse impact on his ability to ensure public safety.

“Thus, the parties are in fundamental disagreement as to whether the county, acting through its Board of Supervisors, may impose disciplinary action on department employees,” the suit states.

“It is imperative for ALADS and its represented employees to obtain the instant declaratory relief so that such represented employees may govern their conduct accordingly.”

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