Court backs off position on court reporter salary

Dear OCEA Court Reporter,

As you know, OCEA recently received a letter from Orange County Superior Court General Counsel Jeff Wertheimer on behalf of the Court indicating their belief that the link between OCSC and LASC court reporter salaries was no longer legally required. The letter also informed us that although the Court would honor the most recent two percent (2%) LASC court reporter raise (to be included in your July 21, 2017, paychecks), going forward it would not tie OCSC and LASC court reporter salaries.

OCEA strongly disagrees with the Court’s position and communicated to the CEO, the Presiding Judge, and the Chief HR Officer our rejection of the Court’s unlawful attempt to unilaterally modify our MOU.

Late Friday, the Court sent a response to our concerns and indicated that instead of moving forward with the unilateral implementation of the Court’s plan, they would instead discuss this issue during upcoming negotiations. You can read the Court’s response here.

Standing together, we will continue to advocate for fairness for court reporters and all OCEA members.

In Solidarity,

Jennifer Beuthin
OCEA General Manager

Publication Date: July 5, 2017