COVID-19 and Court Worker Safety Update

Dear OCEA Court member,

Last night, California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye issued an emergency order authorizing the closure of Orange County Superior Court facilities to the public until at least March 30, 2020. A press release issued by the Court clarified that the closure is not in response to a specific notice of exposure at any Court facility or to any Court staff.  Instead, it is intended to help limit the spread of the virus and the potential for future exposure. You can read the press release issued by the Court below or click here.

As our state and nation continue to deal with the Coronavirus (COVID-19 ) pandemic, worker safety has continued to be your union’s top priority. At our urging, the Court took some initial steps on Friday, March 13, to protect workers, including allowing telecommuting options if their assignment can be performed from home for primary caregivers with children at home. Workers over the age of 60 whose health renders them more vulnerable to complications from the virus were also authorized to telecommute if their assignment can be performed at home as determined by management. The Court also provided a limited option to remain home on paid leave without using leave accruals.

By Monday afternoon, the rapidly changing situation caused public health officials to lower the number of people who can congregate without a higher risk of spreading the virus. Court Executive David Yamasaki also issued a communication summarizing the Court’s request to the Chief Justice to postpone Court proceedings due to lack of jurors and the large number of Court workers and litigants who belong to a group at high risk for complications. Justice Cantil-Sakauye’s emergency order granted the Courts request.

OCEA is also taking steps to limit exposure and transmission of the virus. Beginning today the OCEA building is closed to the public until further notice. However, OCEA Staff will continue to work to service all OCEA member needs with as little disruption as is possible.

Protecting you and your family is part of OCEA’s core mission. While the Court has taken action, we know that it’s workers like you who often know best how to stay safe. In this time of crisis, be proactive and communicate to your chain of command whenever you have concerns or recommendations. The OCEA Board of Directors and Staff have been and will continue to tirelessly advocate on your behalf, with the Court, Human Resources, the executive officer, and our elected representatives from the state and federal government.

The more voices of front-line workers the Court hears, the more Court leaders will listen. If you communicate a concern that isn’t addressed, contact your OCEA staff rep or workplace Steward.

In this unprecedented environment, we must look to each other for support and protection. That’s what union members do, and that’s how we’ll continue to compel the Court to make wise decisions to protect us in the coming days and weeks.

Together, we will get through this.

In Solidarity,

Charles Barfield
OCEA General Manager

Publication Date: March 17, 2020