August 28, 2021

Our current MOU includes a provision to re-open the agreement to discuss a plan to offer a Health Retirement Account (HRA). An HRA is a vehicle to help workers pay for qualified medical expenses incurred during retirement. A typical program has workers and employers making tax-free contributions to an HRA account.

August 27, 2021

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the OCERS Membership Meeting on Wednesday, August 18th. It was great meeting many of you and hearing what is going on at OCERS.

August 25, 2021

Please join your coworkers, Stewards and OCEA staff for a virtual membership meeting Wednesday, September 1st from Noon to 1 p.m. Please see Zoom access details below. We will provide general updates on your agency and discuss issues or concerns you have in the workplace.

August 23, 2021

Throughout this historic public health crisis, you and your coworkers have served the community with courage and professionalism. As the pandemic evolves, one thing remains consistent: OCEA’s ongoing demands to keep all workers safe! Workers standing together have strength in numbers. In this environment, the most impactful way workers can effectively exercise their power is by demanding safety in the workplace!

August 20, 2021

The Aug. 26, 2021 AMEA General Membership Meeting will be held in person and via Zoom beginning at 5:30 p.m.

August 17, 2021

We have received many questions regarding the recent California Department of Public Health Orders requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or mandatory testing for those not vaccinated under certain circumstances.

August 17, 2021

Please join your co-workers, Stewards and OCEA staff for a virtual membership meeting tomorrow, Aug. 18, from Noon to 1 p.m.

August 17, 2021

Speakers at Monday’s Coronavirus press briefing held by 2nd District Supervisor Katrina Foley included County Health Officer and HCA Director Dr. Clayton Chau and public school teacher Sarah Auwarter. Supervisor Foley asked me to provide OCEA’s perspective as General Manager of the County’s largest public sector union. The topic: The rising infection rates among County workers reported by Orange County Register on Saturday.

August 13, 2021

COVID-19 remains a serious concern to public health. To protect vulnerable populations and to ensure a sufficient, consistent supply of workers in high-risk healthcare and congregate settings, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently issued four (4) Public Health Orders designed to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Depending on your work functions, these Public Health Orders may require you to provide proof of your COVID-19 vaccine, submit to regular COVID-19 testing, and/or receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

August 12, 2021

The deadline for nominations to be submitted for the 2021 Steve Ambriz Team Excellence Award is tomorrow, Friday, August 13th, 2021. Visit the HCA/OCEA Labor Management Committee (LMC) Team Excellence Award Intranet webpage for application criteria, details about previous winners, and additional information about what makes an excellent team. A nomination form can be downloaded under Application Submission. Because the link is on the HCA intranet, I cannot share it with you here.

August 12, 2021

Please join your coworkers, Stewards and OCEA staff for a virtual membership meeting Thursday, August 19th, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Please see the flyer below for Zoom access details. We will provide general updates on Housing Authority matters and discuss issues or concerns you have in the workplace.

August 10, 2021

Your OCFA bargaining team met with OCFA leadership and negotiator Peter Brown on Thursday, August 5th. We were expecting to hear the JPA Board of Directors’ response to our wage increase that each of you and your families deserve. The JPA Board meeting on July 22nd resulted in two significant points of failure. First, the JPA Board failed to respond to our offer. Second, and more importantly, the JPA Board did not grant the OCFA negotiating team authority to discuss economic proposals at the table. The JPA Board’s message to you is clear: your financial security is not their priority.

August 9, 2021

The Public Guardian Case Management Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, August 18th. The conference call details are provided by management in advance of each meeting.

August 6, 2021

As you are very much aware, Sheriff Barnes has made the decision to merge the CST, Sr. CST, and CSA classifications. These discussions began approximately three years and were severely delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This matter is finally set for Board of Supervisors approval on August 10, 2021.

August 6, 2021

It was a busy week for the Fullerton Municipal Employees Federation that began with FMEF members attending the City Council meeting to send the message of “No Cuts!” FMEF President Ed Bargas spoke during public comment and conveyed to the Council the negative impacts cuts will have on city services.