Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear OCEA member,

Thanksgiving is here and as we share time with our families and friends, I want you to know how grateful I am to be able to stand together with each of you in our union.

Together with your OCEA Bargaining Teams, we successfully negotiated renewal contracts that brought significant improvements in wages and working conditions for OCEA members and affiliates in the County, Superior Courts, cities and special districts. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you, we have raised our collective voice for the benefit of all Orange County workers and done so in a resounding way.

Those members of the Orange County Employees Retirement System overwhelmingly supported OCEA Board member Adele Tagaloa’s election to the OCERS Board of Retirement. The win ensures that we have a strong advocate for worker retirement security on that governing body. OCEA Stewards gave of their time and energy phone banking and canvassing in recent special elections. These efforts didn’t always result in victory, but our growing political strength directly led to improved relationships with decision makers from both political parties and that greatly benefits all working families. 

I am also very thankful for what you do for the community every day. All of you, regardless of your position, are a part of keeping residents healthy and safe in the public agencies where you work. Your tireless efforts keep the wheels of justice rolling, city streets paved and you are there for all of us when threats to public health and safety emerge. You may not hear words of appreciation very often, if at all, so on the occasion of this Thanksgiving Holiday, THANK YOU.

Warmest wishes to you and your families this Thanksgiving!  

In Solidarity,

Charles Barfield
OCEA General Manager

Publication Date: November 28, 2019