FMEF Member Update - May 3, 2021

Dear FMEF member, 

This year is already shaping up to be big for our Union. Just this past month FMEF successfully prevented the outsourcing of two positions in ASD. This is a significant win but we know the City will continue its outsourcing schemes.

Union means strength in numbers
FMEF leaders and staff are standing together to fight against outsourcing and other attacks on public services. However, our union is strongest when we have strength in numbers! FMEF member involvement is critical to ensuring City Council members hear the worker's perspective. We will soon be reaching out to all of you to discuss ways you can get involved. Whether it’s passing out flyers or speaking at a Council meeting, all worker actions make a difference.

Contract negotiations
Our contract with the City expires June 30, 2021. FMEF has requested that bargaining begin as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey earlier this year. The FMEF Board reviewed all responses and will be taking this input into consideration when we put together our proposals. The recent departure of the City Manager and any impacts that may have are being considered. FMEF anticipates the City will rely on the same tired arguments of the past. Member involvement is critical to a successful outcome. We will keep you informed as we get closer to negotiations and upcoming member meetings.

COVID-19 update
We are happy to see COVID numbers dropping in Orange County. The work of FMEF members has been essential in helping the community get through this pandemic. We know some of you have been personally impacted. In late March, the State of California passed SB 95 – COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL). This bill extends Emergency Sick Leave Provisions from the CARES Act which expired last December. Employees are now eligible to request up to 80 hours of paid sick leave for various reasons including exposure or infection from COVID, caring for a family member with COVID, taking time off to receive a vaccine, or time off needed to recover from vaccine side effects. You can also take time off if caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed due to COVID-19. 

SPSL hours can be applied retroactively to January 1, 2021. If you missed work for a qualifying reason, you can make a request in writing for reimbursement of lost hours. If you have any questions, reach out to HR or to me, FMEF’s OCEA Representative, at vrodarte@ocea.org.

Please keep an eye on your emails for further updates and thank you for all you do for the community.

In Solidarity,

Veronica Rodarte 
Sr. Labor Relations Representative

Publication Date: May 3, 2021