SICKOUT ON DESPITE COURT ORDER 33 PATROL DEPUTIES DO NOT SHOW FOR WORK.

Byline: Troy Anderson Staff Writer

Despite a judge's threat that sheriff's deputies could face a fine or even jail time if they continued ``blue flu'' job actions, 33 patrol deputies called in sick Friday, officials said.

These included 14 deputies at the San Dimas station and 19 at the Walnut station. Their apparent sickout involves the first time in more than two weeks of wildcat walkouts that patrol deputies have been involved.

Sheriff's officials said they are in the process of serving thousands of deputies with the temporary restraining order issued Wednesday by an Orange County judge, barring deputy union leaders from encouraging or influencing members to continue job actions.

Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said the deputies who called in sick Friday could face legal penalties only if they had been served with the orders.

``Each individual case has to be investigated to determine if it warrants a hearing in front of the judge,'' Whitmore said.

The escalating series of sickouts that have caused jail lockdowns and court disruptions peaked Wednesday when a record 403 deputies called in sick and did not report to court at various courthouses and sheriff's transportation service facilities.

This resulted in the all-day closures of five courthouses and the half-day closure of one court.

The judge's order calls on the executives of the Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff's to appear in court Oct. 14 for a hearing to explain why a permanent injunction should not be granted barring the union from encouraging members to engage in sickouts, work slowdowns or work stoppages. ALADS President Roy Burns has put a message on the union hotline telling deputies not to call in sick.

``It's not the desire of anyone to impose discipline on these deputies, however, the Sheriff's Department along with their attorneys are currently discussing what avenues to use in light of the order,'' said Anna Pembedjian, a deputy to Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. ``If they violate the order, they can be named as defendants and be compelled to appear in court along with their ALADS executives.''

The deputies have been frustrated that negotiations for a new contract have been stalled for a year. They are seeking a raise plus reduced doctor visit and drug co-payments over the next three years.

In messages to deputies Wednesday, Sheriff Lee Baca encouraged deputies to follow the judge's order.

``As each of you know, our county and our department are suffering severe budget limitations,'' Baca said. ``We are being asked to do more with less. ... I share your frustration with our budget. The county is in bad shape, extremely bad shape. That's why I have spent a significant amount of time fighting for more funds in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.''

Three Lancaster courtrooms were closed Friday and additional help was brought in after 10 of 17 sheriff's deputies who serve as courtroom bailiffs did not show up for work.

While court officials described the shortage of personnel as a sickout, Sheriff's Department officials said the deputies had already been scheduled to be off on that day.

Troy Anderson, [phone]

troy.anderson(at)dailynews.com