Annual Leave conversion to Healthcare extended

Dear OCEA member,

Our recently negotiated contracts with the County contained 14.6% in pay increases and reduced retirement contributions. Also included was a transition from the annual leave system to Healthcare and Vacation Leave, which provide much of the same flexibility as annual leave, while at the same time providing the security of being able to cash out more hours with no approval required.

One of the transition provisions provided OCEA members an opportunity to convert an unlimited amount of annual leave hours to Healthcare Leave during a 90-day period ending Feb. 20, 2020. Unfortunately, the County did not inform you about the this conversion timeframe and had not provided a mechanism by which you could convert your annual leave hours.

Upon learning of the County’s inaction, we sought and have obtained an immediate 90-day extension, through May 21, 2020, for you to elect a conversion. Further, the County has now developed a form for you to communicate your desire to convert annual leave to Healthcare Leave. A memorandum from Chief Human Resources Officer Tom Hatch is included below, and the conversion form can be downloaded by clicking here.

Should you have any questions or concerns about converting AL hours to Healthcare, please contact your OCEA Labor Relations Representative or call (714) 835-3355.

In solidarity,

Charles Barfield 
OCEA General Manager

 

Publication Date: February 21, 2020