OCEA’s Voter Guide for the November 3 Election

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  • RAP and PTP are on Hold for the Foreseeable Future

    The County has unilaterally placed the Retirement Assistance Program (RAP) and the Part-Time Plus Program (PTP) on hold for the foreseeable future. The County notified all labor organizations this morning. The County has not said yet whether it will send its own notice to employees, so we are telling you directly.

  • County Negotiations—The Next Fight Starts Now

    The County is currently developing its 2026 Strategic Financial Plan (SFP), and if history is any indication, we already know what the County will say: resources are limited. Our next round of negotiations may be in 2027, but the financial story the County will bring to that bargaining table is being written now. The County Asked for Input. Let’s Give It to Them.

  • Retirement Assistance Program Update: Sept. 3, 2026

    Several OCEA members have reached out to stewards and Labor Relations Representatives with questions about the Retirement Assistance Program (RAP) proposed by the County. The County has not yet determined or provided us with significant program details. Here’s what we know at the moment.

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    Open Enrollment Starts Today Through Sept. 18 + Health Fair Info

    Open Enrollment for 2027 OCEA Supplemental Benefits starts today, Sept. 1, 2026 through Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. The 2026 OCEA Health Fair will also return from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10! Don’t miss out!

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    Open Enrollment Begins Sept. 1 + 2026 Health Fair Info

    Open Enrollment for 2027 OCEA Supplemental Benefits is Sept. 1-18, 2026. For County, Court, Law Library, and Fire Authority employees, the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust administers dental, vision, disability, and life insurance benefits at no cost to full and part-time employees in regular or limited-term positions. Additionally, members have the opportunity to purchase an upgraded…

  • County Negotiations Update: Tentative Agreement Ratified

    OCEA members have voted to ratify the Tentative Agreement with the County. Once adopted, your 3% base-building wage increase will be reflected in your paycheck starting Sept. 24. Because this is a short term contract, your negotiations team will return to the table in early 2027. Between now and 2027, we will continue to build.

  • County T.A. Reminder: Vote by Noon, Thursday, Aug. 20

    We stood together. We moved the County. Now let’s lock in what we have won so far and keep fighting for what we deserve. Voting closes at noon, Aug. 20.

  • County Negotiations Update: We Moved the County—Tentative Agreement Reached

    OCEA and the County have reached a Tentative Agreement on a short-term bridge contract through 2027 that puts base-building wages into members’ pockets now while allowing us to continue fighting for more. OCEA will hold two virtual membership meetings Monday, Aug. 17 to review the Tentative Agreement and answer your questions. Voting will open Monday, Aug. 17, and close at 12 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20.

  • Negotiations Update: We are Ready to Act!

    On August 5, OCEA met with the county once again to push back against their disappointing, insulting offer. OCEA’s team also met directly with all five Orange County Supervisors to make our case directly—but we’re not holding our breath. If the County doesn’t move by August 12, we’ll be ready to rally.

  • Almost 800 Members Showed Up. Here’s What Comes Next.

    Nearly 800 OCEA members joined our two County membership meetings on July 30. That strong turnout sends a clear message—the County needs to make meaningful progress at the next bargaining table. If it does not, we are prepared to rally at the County Administration North Building on Aug. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.