Union Leaders Found Not Guilty on All Charges: Victory for Transparency & Integrity

From the Desk of the Chief Steward

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

As many of you are aware, in October 2024 50 Local 685 members filed charges with the AFSCME Judicial Panel against Hans Liang, Eddie Chism, and me (see below for a list of your coworkers who filed charges against our Union). The alleged violations occurred while Brother Liang served as the Local 685 president, Brother Chism served as the Local’s VP. After an extensive investigation and a robust hearing of the facts in the matter, The AFSCME International Judicial Panel ruled as follows:

"Brother Hans Liang, Brother Eddie Chism, and Brother Jonathan Byrd are found not guilty of the charges filed against them. The charges are dismissed."

As outlined in the attached decision (click here to read decision), this outcome reflects the thorough analysis conducted by the International Union, and we are grateful for their diligent work in ensuring the truth was accurately presented.

As your union leadership, we continue to fight for the rights and well-being of each and every Local 685 member, and we know that the hard work done by dedicated union members can sometimes be misled or misread due to the voices of division. This can be frustrating, but we must be aware that some voices focus on spreading misinformation and not on the facts.

We must remain vigilant and informed.

Let me be absolutely clear:

• There has been no collusion with management.

• There has been no violation of our members' "Bill of Rights."

• All information communicated to our members about contract language and authority has been honestand transparent.

The challenges faced by L.A. County probation professionals are the result of decisions made by the Department's leadership and those to whom the Chief reports – the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. These challenges are NOT the actions of your Union leadership. We will continue to stand strong against the unjust treatment Local 685 members have faced, and we will not back down.

We are also preparing for an important milestone in our fight. On May 7, we will present our case at the Los Angeles County Employee Relations Commission (ERCOM) to further clarify our position and continue advocating for your rights as members of AFSCME Local 685.

Thank you for your continued solidarity, and let's stay united in our important work.

In solidarity,

Jonathan Byrd

Chief Steward and 2nd VP

Charged & Attended Hearing

·      Dena Gallegos

·      Koi Jackson

·      Helen Pagan

·      Jametta Peck

·      Griselda Ramirez

·      Minerva Salguero

·      Mary Wells

Charged But Failed to Attend Hearing

·      Sutoya Allen

·      Sudria Andrews-Hawkins

·      Crescent Aniemeka

·      Maricruz Arroyo

·      Gabriela Astorga

·      Dyneisha Austin

·      Raul Barraza

·      Gregory Blindman

·      Aisha Childs

·      Pablo Contr

·      LaSherri Copeland

·      Carmen Covarrubias-Holguin

·      Jennifer Dean

·      Maria Delao

·      Lyric Dill

·      Gerardo Garcia

·      Dwayne Garner

·      Albert Gomez

·      Amanda Gonzalez

·      Tyrone Harlow

·      Lute Ika

·      Mary Iskander

·      Travon Jackson

·      Harutyun Ketikyan

·      Shirley Martin Kirkman

·      Stacey Lewis

·      Rachel Malveaux

·      David Martinez, Sr.

·      Theresa Mathenia

·      Nesreen Michael

·      Armando Montalvo

·      Charles Nogera

·      Lurene Norwood

·      Laura Orosco

·      Rosabba Ramos-Castrejon

·      LaTonya Roebuck-Towsend

·      Eric Rosales

·      Joe Sepulueda

·      Elaska Smith

·      Christopher Soto

·      Samuel Taylor

·      Tashean Thomas

·      Tijera Thornton

·      Vaham Yenovkian