United Public Employees, Local 790 v. City of Oakland

— Appellants, Claude Percy, Major Bell, James Lewis, and Greg Carter, are jailers at the Oakland city jail. They and their union contend the jailers are entitled to the special disability benefits, provided by Labor Code section 4850, for city police officers and other city employees whose duties “clearly fall within the scope of active law enforcement service.” We agree with the trial court that jailers who work as custodians of prisoners do not have duties which “clearly fall” in the category of “active law enforcement service” for purposes of these benefits.

I. Facts and Procedural History

This case presents solely a question of statutory interpretation, and the relevant facts are not in dispute. Appellants conceded at oral argument that they stood on their pleadings for purposes of this appeal.

Appellant jailers are members of a union and bargaining unit composed of persons who work in the job category of “jailer” for the City of Oakland (City). They are employed at the city jail, and their job duties are representative of those of other jailers. These duties include booking prisoners into the facility, choosing prisoners for lineups, maintaining order in the jail,…