Privacy Policy

Municipal Employees’ Association of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (MEA-LADWP.org)

Effective Date: July 25, 2026
Last Updated: July 25, 2026

1. Introduction

The Municipal Employees’ Association of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (“MEA,” “Union,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) respects the privacy of our members, visitors, applicants, and other individuals who interact with our website and online member services.

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, protect, and retain personal information when you visit www.mea-ladwp.org, create a member account, communicate with Union representatives, submit grievances or other forms, participate in Union activities, or otherwise use our online services.

Because our website includes a secure member portal that allows registered members to communicate with one another and with Union representatives, submit grievances, upload documents, and access member resources, we collect and process certain personal information necessary to provide these services.

This Privacy Policy applies to all information collected through:

  • our public website;
  • our member portal;
  • member registration;
  • online grievance submissions;
  • contact forms;
  • member-to-member communications;
  • communications with Union representatives;
  • newsletters and email communications;
  • event registration; and
  • any other online services operated by MEA.

This Privacy Policy does not apply to information collected offline unless specifically incorporated into our online services.

2. Who We Are

MEA is a labor organization representing employees of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The Union provides representation, advocacy, communications, education, member services, and related activities on behalf of its membership.

The website exists to:

  • provide information about the Union;
  • facilitate communications between members and Union representatives;
  • administer member accounts;
  • receive grievances and requests for representation;
  • distribute news and announcements;
  • provide secure access to member resources; and
  • support the Union’s representational activities.

3. Scope of this Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to:

  • visitors browsing the public website;
  • registered members;
  • applicants for membership;
  • individuals communicating with Union representatives;
  • individuals submitting grievances;
  • authorized Union officers and staff using the administrative portions of the website;
  • other individuals whose information is submitted through our website.

By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read this Privacy Policy.

4. Information We Collect

The information we collect depends upon how you use the website.

A. Information You Provide

When you create an account or use the member portal, you may provide:

  • full name;
  • mailing address;
  • email address;
  • telephone number;
  • employee identification information;
  • bargaining unit information;
  • department or work location;
  • job classification;
  • employment-related information;
  • membership status;
  • username;
  • password (stored in encrypted form);
  • profile information;
  • photographs or profile images, if voluntarily provided;
  • communications with Union representatives;
  • private messages to other registered members;
  • grievance information;
  • uploaded documents;
  • supporting evidence relating to grievances;
  • event registrations;
  • newsletter subscriptions;
  • comments or other content you choose to submit.

You are responsible for ensuring that the information you submit is accurate.

B. Grievance Information

The member portal permits members to submit grievances and requests for representation.

Grievance submissions may contain:

  • employment records;
  • disciplinary information;
  • supervisor names;
  • witness information;
  • work schedules;
  • medical or leave-related information voluntarily submitted;
  • supporting documentation;
  • correspondence;
  • attachments;
  • other information necessary for Union representation.

This information is collected solely for purposes related to representation, grievance administration, collective bargaining, dispute resolution, legal compliance, and other legitimate Union activities.

Access to grievance information is limited to authorized Union officers, representatives, employees, legal counsel, or service providers who require access to perform their duties.

C. Member Communications

The website provides secure communication tools that allow registered members to communicate with:

  • Union representatives;
  • Union officers;
  • authorized administrators; and
  • other registered members, where applicable.

These communications may include:

  • private messages;
  • discussion threads;
  • replies;
  • attachments;
  • notifications;
  • support requests;
  • administrative communications.

Communications transmitted through the member portal may be stored on Union systems to provide the requested services, maintain continuity of representation, investigate misuse of the platform, comply with legal obligations, and maintain appropriate records.

Members should avoid transmitting information unrelated to legitimate Union business through the member portal.

D. Documents and File Uploads

Members may upload documents including:

  • grievance forms;
  • disciplinary notices;
  • correspondence;
  • employment documents;
  • arbitration materials;
  • supporting evidence;
  • photographs;
  • PDFs;
  • spreadsheets;
  • other files relevant to Union representation.

Uploaded materials are processed solely for legitimate Union purposes and are accessible only to authorized individuals with a need to review them.

E. Information Automatically Collected

When you visit the website, certain technical information may be collected automatically, including:

  • IP address;
  • browser type;
  • operating system;
  • device identifiers;
  • pages visited;
  • referring website;
  • date and time of access;
  • session information;
  • authentication logs;
  • security logs;
  • website usage statistics.

This information helps maintain website security, improve functionality, diagnose technical issues, and protect member accounts.

F. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

  • authenticate registered users;
  • maintain secure login sessions;
  • remember user preferences;
  • improve website functionality;
  • enhance security;
  • analyze website performance;
  • administer member sessions.

Certain cookies are necessary for the operation of the member portal and cannot be disabled without affecting core functionality.

Non-essential cookies, including analytics or marketing cookies (if implemented), may be managed through the website’s cookie preferences where required by applicable law.

G. Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

  • payment processors;
  • website hosting providers;
  • email service providers;
  • authentication services;
  • spam prevention services;
  • cybersecurity providers;
  • analytics providers;
  • social media platforms where members voluntarily interact with the Union;
  • other lawful sources.

Information received from third parties will be used only for purposes consistent with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.

5. How We Use Personal Information

We use personal information only for legitimate Union purposes, including:

  • verifying membership eligibility;
  • administering member accounts;
  • authenticating users;
  • providing access to the secure member portal;
  • communicating with members;
  • responding to inquiries;
  • processing grievances;
  • providing representation;
  • investigating workplace issues;
  • administering collective bargaining activities;
  • facilitating member communications;
  • distributing newsletters and announcements;
  • scheduling meetings and events;
  • administering elections where applicable;
  • improving website functionality;
  • protecting the security of member accounts;
  • detecting fraud, abuse, or unauthorized access;
  • maintaining legal and financial records;
  • complying with applicable laws and legal obligations;
  • protecting the rights, safety, and property of the Union, its members, and others.

We do not use grievance information for advertising, profiling, or commercial marketing purposes.

6. Legal Basis for Processing Personal Information

Where applicable under the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) or similar privacy laws, MEA processes personal information only where an appropriate legal basis exists. Depending on the circumstances, processing may be necessary to:

  • administer membership and provide requested services;
  • fulfill contractual or membership obligations;
  • comply with legal obligations;
  • protect the vital interests of members or others;
  • perform tasks carried out in the legitimate interests of the Union, provided those interests are not overridden by the rights and freedoms of the individual; or
  • process information based on an individual’s consent where consent is required.

Where consent is relied upon, individuals may withdraw consent at any time. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing that occurred before the withdrawal.

7. How We Share Personal Information

MEA does not sell members’ personal information.

We disclose personal information only when necessary to operate the Union, provide requested services, comply with legal obligations, or protect the rights of the Union and its members.

Personal information may be shared with:

A. Union Officers and Employees

Authorized officers, representatives, employees, and administrative personnel who require access to perform legitimate Union functions.

Access is limited according to job responsibilities and operational need.

B. Legal Counsel

Attorneys representing the Union in connection with:

  • grievances;
  • arbitration;
  • litigation;
  • labor relations;
  • collective bargaining;
  • legal advice; and
  • regulatory compliance.

C. Service Providers

Third-party vendors that provide services on behalf of the Union, including:

  • website hosting; Godaddy
  • cloud storage;
  • email delivery; Godaddy, Microsoft, Google 
  • cybersecurity services; Godaddy, reCAPTCHA 
  • data backup; Godaddy
  • spam prevention;
  • payment processing, if applicable;
  • analytics providers; and
  • All software vendors supporting the member portal.

These providers may process information only on behalf of the Union and are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.

D. Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if we reasonably believe disclosure is necessary to:

  • comply with applicable law;
  • respond to a subpoena, court order, or lawful governmental request;
  • enforce our Terms of Use;
  • investigate suspected fraud or security incidents;
  • protect the safety of members or others; or
  • protect the rights, property, or legal interests of the Union.

E. Organizational Changes

If the Union undergoes a merger, consolidation, restructuring, or transfer of assets, personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to applicable law.

8. Member Communications

The member portal allows registered members to exchange communications with authorized users.

Members are responsible for the content they submit.

Although communications are intended to be private within the member portal, users should understand that authorized Union personnel may access communications when reasonably necessary to:

  • provide requested representation;
  • investigate reports of misuse;
  • respond to legal obligations;
  • maintain system security;
  • investigate harassment or policy violations;
  • preserve evidence relating to grievances or litigation;
  • maintain the integrity of Union operations.

MEA does not routinely monitor private communications but reserves the right to review communications when necessary for these legitimate purposes.

Members should not use the portal for unlawful, abusive, threatening, discriminatory, defamatory, or fraudulent communications.

9. Information Security

MEA maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

Security measures may include:

  • encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS);
  • password hashing;
  • role-based access controls;
  • authentication controls;
  • firewall protection;
  • malware detection;
  • system logging;
  • routine software updates;
  • secure backup procedures;
  • restricted administrative access;
  • security monitoring.

No method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. While we strive to use commercially reasonable safeguards, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Members are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their passwords and should immediately notify the Union of suspected unauthorized account access.

10. Data Retention

MEA retains personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to:

  • provide member services;
  • administer membership;
  • process grievances;
  • comply with legal obligations;
  • maintain organizational records;
  • resolve disputes;
  • enforce Union policies;
  • protect legal rights; and
  • satisfy record retention requirements.

Retention periods vary depending upon the type of information.

Grievance files and representation records may be retained for longer periods because of legal obligations, arbitration requirements, historical recordkeeping, or ongoing representational needs.

When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted, anonymized, or otherwise disposed of consistent with applicable law and reasonable record management practices.

11. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and maintain secure user sessions.

Cookies may include:

  • authentication cookies;
  • session cookies;
  • preference cookies;
  • security cookies;
  • load-balancing cookies;
  • analytics cookies, if implemented;
  • performance cookies.

Users may configure browser settings to reject certain cookies. However, disabling essential cookies may prevent access to portions of the member portal.

Where required by applicable law, users will be provided with appropriate cookie choices before non-essential cookies are placed on their devices.

12. California Privacy Rights

California residents may have rights under applicable California privacy laws.

Subject to applicable exemptions and legal requirements, individuals may have the right to:

  • request access to certain personal information;
  • request correction of inaccurate personal information;
  • request deletion of personal information, subject to applicable exceptions;
  • receive information regarding categories of information collected and disclosed;
  • receive information about the purposes for which personal information is used;
  • designate an authorized agent to submit requests where permitted by law; and
  • not be discriminated against for exercising applicable privacy rights.

MEA does not sell personal information and does not knowingly share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.

Certain information processed in connection with labor representation, employment relationships, legal obligations, or nonprofit activities may be exempt from portions of California privacy law.

Requests may be submitted using the contact information provided below. The Union may verify the identity of the requesting individual before responding.

13. GDPR Rights

If the GDPR applies to the processing of your personal information, you may have the right to:

  • access your personal information;
  • correct inaccurate information;
  • request deletion of personal information where applicable;
  • restrict processing;
  • object to certain processing activities;
  • receive a copy of your information in a portable format where required by law;
  • withdraw consent where consent is the legal basis for processing; and
  • lodge a complaint with an appropriate supervisory authority.

Some rights are subject to legal limitations and may not apply in every circumstance.

14. Children’s Privacy

The website is intended for adults eligible for Union membership and is not directed to children under 13 years of age.

MEA does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through the website.

If we become aware that information has been collected from a child in violation of applicable law, we will take reasonable steps to delete the information.

15. Third-Party Websites

The website may contain links to third-party websites.

MEA is not responsible for the privacy practices, security, or content of third-party websites.

Users should review the privacy policies of any third-party websites they visit.

16. Changes to This Privacy Policy

MEA may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect operational changes, legal developments, technological updates, or improvements to our services.

When material changes are made, the updated Effective Date will be revised. Where required by law, we will provide additional notice of significant changes.

Continued use of the website following the posting of an updated Privacy Policy constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

17. Contact Information

Questions, requests, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or the Union’s privacy practices may be directed to:

Municipal Employees’ Association of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

Attn: Andy Kendall

Address: 515 South Flower St.  18th Floor

Los Angeles, California 90071 

Telephone: (213) 426-2184 

Email: andy.kendall@mea-ladwp.org

Individuals submitting privacy requests may be asked to provide information sufficient to verify their identity before the Union responds.

18. Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective as of the Effective Date stated above and supersedes all prior online privacy policies applicable to this website.