Attorneys’ Union Votes for Mediation

Frustrated with the pace of labor negotiations, the union representing Ventura County’s prosecutors and public defenders has voted to ask a state mediator to intervene in its fight for a labor contract with the county.

“We’ve chosen to give the mediation process a try in hopes that the county will change its position,” attorney Stephen H. Silver, who represents the Criminal Justice Attorneys Assn., said Thursday.

Since February, the two sides have been meeting in an attempt to hash out a contract. But Wednesday, the 110-member union voted overwhelmingly to leave the bargaining table until a mediator can intervene, Silver said.

The county’s chief negotiator, Barbara Journet, could not be reached Thursday afternoon. She has denied a previous assertion that the county is seeking to bust the lawyers’ union.

In October, Ventura County prosecutors and public defenders joined forces to negotiate on pay and other labor issues.

Members have said they are paid about 10% lower than their counterparts statewide.

Silver said a mediator would try to bring the two sides together, but would not make final recommendations. If mediation does not work, Silver said, the union would consider taking the matter to court.

Kevin DeNoce, president of the union, said Ventura County is losing experienced prosecutors because of low pay.

“If this county is serious about public safety, then it should be willing to pay its prosecutors fair wages,” said DeNoce, a senior a deputy district attorney.