OCEA News
Information is power, and OCEA members receive regular email, text and social media updates about workplace issues and news. Many of those emails are archived below.
Here's how to get your OCEA Health Fair Swag Bag
September 7, 2021
The OCEA Health & Welfare Trust virtual Health Fair kicks off tomorrow, Sept. 8, 2021, and we want to make sure you get your OCEA Swag Bag. Last year, we distributed more than 8,000 cooler bags loaded with OCEA swag and fun vendor materials.
Happy Labor Day!
September 6, 2021
Labor Day commemorates the struggles of working men and women who fought for many of the things we take for granted today – weekends, the eight-hour workday, the end of child labor, and the right to negotiate as equals for the fair wages and benefits you and your families deserve.
Look for your OCEA Open Enrollment packet in the mail!
September 2, 2021
This year, the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust open enrollment period is September 1 through September 30, 2021. Your open enrollment benefits enrollment guide is in the mail and you should receive it soon. Your benefits will remain the same through plan year January 1 through December 31, 2022, unless you submit new open enrollment forms to OCEA during open enrollment.
YLEA Bargaining Update - Sept. 1, 2021
September 1, 2021
Your YLEA bargaining team met with the City's representative yesterday to respond to then City's initial bargaining proposal.
OC Sanitation District: Bargaining Reopener on Health Reimbursement Accounts
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.
OCERS Membership Meeting Recap - August 27, 2021
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.
DA workers: Membership meeting next week
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.
OCEA Safety Survey and Membership Meeting
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!
AMEA Board Meeting
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.
Peace Officer Research Association of CA Update - August 17, 2021
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.
Tomorrow! OCERS Membership Meeting
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.
OCEA participates in Supervisor Katrina Foley COVID press briefing
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.
Update: New State of California Public Health Orders
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.
Tomorrow! Team Excellence Award Deadline Aug. 13
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.
Housing Authority Membership Meeting Next Week!
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.