Outspoken Natividad clinic doctor reinstated after being fired by the County of Monterey.

Dr. Cris Carrillo, the Natividad clinic physician who was fired by the County of Monterey in October after he spoke up about concerns over patient care, has been reinstated to his position, according to an announcement by the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, representing doctors employed by the county.

He’s expected to return to work at the Alisal Health Center by the end of January.

Carrillo’s firing prompted a half-day strike on Nov. 12, authorized by union members in support of Carrillo. About 50 employees and others, including some of Carrillo’s patients and members of other unions, lined Natividad Road in Salinas that day holding signs and chanting.

A union representative told the Weekly at the time that they believed Carrillo’s firing was a message to silence other doctors.

The UAPD also filed a complaint with the California Public Employment Relations Board contending that the firing was illegal.

Two months of negotiations between the UAPD, legal counsel and county leaders followed, resulting in a settlement reached the evening of Jan. 9, according to a union press release issued Jan. 15.

“I am overjoyed in returning to my community of patients, family, friends and supporters at Alisal,” Carrillo said. “Our success is thanks to the efforts of each person that contributed to the cause, and our union in focusing our energy. This achievement is worth celebrating, as it paves the way for a brighter future in advocacy for all of us.”

Tim Jenkins, a senior UAPD representative, called the settlement a “historic first” for the County of Monterey.

“It’s a victory secured through the tireless activism of our unionized doctors at the County clinics and hospitals, union allies, community leaders and patients," Jenkins said.

The County is unable to comment on personnel matters, according to a spokesperson.