County Wage Increase and Small Dues Increase Friday

Dear OCEA member,

This Friday, you will see the 4.75% negotiated wage increase for 2023 reflected on your paycheck. For an average OCEA worker that means a base pay increase of $140.13 per paycheck, or $3,643 annually.

You will also see a 4.75% increase to OCEA dues – for the average OCEA worker that equals 64 cents per paycheck, or $16.64 annually. Like every other labor organization, OCEA must responsibly deal with the ever-increasing cost of providing representation. As you may recall, in 2021 the OCEA Board of Directors wanted to take positive action to ensure that going forward members would not face large, unexpected duesincreases. They therefore implemented a policy effective calendar year 2022 to raise dues only when general wage increases occur, and to limit the dues increase to the same percentage that wages increase.

OCEA members will still pay one of the lowest dues amounts of any union member in California.

Today we celebrate that OCEA members were able to negotiate a new contract BEFORE the expiration of the current one, and that the negotiated increases (including 4.25% effective June 28, 2024, and 4.0% effective June 27, 2025) equal a total of 13% over three years - higher than LA County, and the highest wage increases in a contract this year for County workers across all Southern California counties.

When we asked you to stand together to create fundamental change in Orange County you answered the call. Changing a culture requires dedication and determination, and we are proud to stand with those who support the workers who deliver critical services to Orange County’s communities.

These negotiations marked a New Day in Orange County, but our work has just begun. We are already working to identify the future leaders who will be the voice of the union when we return to the table in 2026.

If you have an interest in joining the Union Action Team, or becoming an OCEA Steward, please contact us at ocea.org/getinvolved. If you have further questions regarding negotiations or the MOU, please contact OCEA at 714-835-3355.

In Solidarity,

OCEA

Publication Date: July 20, 2023