Government Affairs Update: Aug. 13, 2024

Dear OCEA member, 

Union power is political power and political power is union power. When OCEA is politically active, we utilize our greatest strength, our strength in numbers. OCEA talks to voters, communicates with our members, and helps the rest of the Orange County Labor movement.

Some may wonder why OCEA is so politically active. The answer is simple: Because we must be!

For generations, unions have been on the front lines of political campaigns and debates. Working people leverage their strength in numbers to ensure politicians support our issues. These fights have established the eight-hour workday, provided workplace safety standards, discrimination-free workplaces, and more.

Below are a few recent examples of OCEA’s political activism, which builds power for our members:

OCEA AND THE CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF LABOR UNIONS BIENNIAL CONVENTION

OCEA is an affiliate of the California Federation of Labor Unions (AFL-CIO). This means we are part of a coalition of 2.3 million workers in California. As an affiliate of the Federation, OCEA has a seat at the table in determining the strategic direction of labor unions in our state.

This month, OCEA members participated in the 2024 Biennial Convention. There, we deliberated over important policy positions and political endorsements and heard from amazing speakers and union leaders.

Check out the video about the convention here!

OCEA LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS – 2024

Statewide legislation has a profound impact on working people. For public sector workers, this impact is even more profound! OCEA’s Legislative Committee meets monthly with our Legislative Advocate from Aaron Read and Associates in Sacramento to review the dozens of bills that can impact OCEA and our members.

Here is a list of legislation OCEA is currently monitoring!

If you have a bill or topic the OCEA Legislative Committee should be monitoring, email OCEA Assistant General Manager Tim Steed at tsteed@ocea.org. If you want to get more involved with the OCEA Legislative Committee, become an OCEA Steward! You can learn more at ocea.org/getinvolved

Learn more about the Legislative Committee and Advocacy here!  

OCEA TOWNHALL: NOVEMBER ELECTION PREVIEW

Join OCEA members, staff and special guests for AN OCEA EXCLUSIVE EVENT at 5:30 p.m. Wed., Sept. 18—a Virtual Townhall to preview the 2024 Election. At this online event, OCEA staff and political leaders will discuss the upcoming November election and walk members through the OCEA Voter Guide.

This Townhall is great for those who want to learn more about candidates running for local election in Orange County and how these politicians impact OCEA members.

OCEA Townhall
5:30 p.m. Wed., Sept. 18, 2024
Via Zoom

OCEA VOTER GUIDE & COMING SOON

The OCEA Board of Directors is in the process of deliberating on candidates for endorsement for the November election. The OCEA Voter Guide will be sent to members in mid-September. Stay tuned!

In Solidarity,

Team OCEA

Publication Date: August 13, 2024