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.
PPE supplies delivered by OCEA members
January 5, 2021
As COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations soar, it's more important than ever to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and maintain social distancing.
COVID-19 article focuses on County workers
January 4, 2021
An article posted today by Norberto Santana, Voice of OC publisher, included an interview with OCEA General Manager Charles Barfield.
Happy New Year OCEA members!
December 31, 2020
Like many of you, I am saying “goodbye” to 2020 with a cautious sense of relief. But we all know that turning a page on the calendar doesn’t change the realities each of you continue to face every day of the year. The demand for the essential services you provide to our communities isn’t going away and the fiscal impacts of COVID-19 will make delivering those services ever more challenging.
COVID-19 Safety Update - Dec. 30, 2020
December 30, 2020
Statewide legislation can have a profound impact on working people, whether in the form of attacks, such as efforts to dismantle retirement security for working Americans, or opportunities to advance issues of fairness, such as requiring employers to pay overtime.
LPS Market Study Update - Dec. 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
Over the last 10-months, a committee comprised of LPS Bargaining Unit members, other OCEA workplace leaders, and OCEA staff has been participating in a market study with Court management. During that time, the committee and the Court reviewed LPS salary data from some comparable California counties.
Important news regarding HR 218
December 28, 2020
I want to share some good news regarding House Resolution 218 as it relates to the SSO classification. HR 218 - the Law Enforcement Safety Act - includes provisions for authorizing a qualified law enforcement officer with photographic governmental identification to carry a concealed firearm.
New Year brings negotiations for OCWD members
December 28, 2020
The New Year brings negotiations for Orange County Water District workers as our contract with the District expires in June 2021. To fire up the process, we want to hear from you.
COVID-19 vaccine availability update
December 24, 2020
The County has received its first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine - both the two-part Pfizer brand vaccine and the two-part Moderna vaccine – intended for distribution to frontline workers across the County employed by hospitals, clinics, and the County itself. OC Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau told the press the County had received approximately 74,000 doses by the initial rollout this week. However, according to Dr. Chau, there are approximately 200,000 health care workers in Orange County.
Court Mediator Market Study
December 23, 2020
The Court Mediator Market Study process takes another step forward with a meeting on Jan. 6, 2021, at 3 p.m. to review the information that formed the basis of recommendations made by Human Resources. To do that, we need feedback from subject matter experts like you.
PORAC Update - Scholarships available, Annual Report released
December 21, 2020
Keeping the American Dream alive for young people can often mean a college education. Yet the cost of higher education can pose a nearly insurmountable barrier for many working families. The OCEA-affiliated Peace Officers Research Association of California PORAC), offers scholarships annually to help working people meet this economic challenge.
OCEA members invited to Coffee Talk with Veterans
December 17, 2020
If you are a veteran of our country’s military or care about someone who is, we want to share an upcoming event that may be of interest to you.
OCEA Honors its Workplace Leaders at the Steward Awards
December 16, 2020
OCEA honored its workplace leaders at the annual Steward Awards Ceremony held virtually Thursday night from OCEA headquarters. OCEA's Stewards are the backbone of the union and those we honor this year each deserve the thanks of the community for faithfully performing their duties in the midst of a public health crisis.
COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards from Cal/OSHA
December 11, 2020
As you know, California has experienced a statewide surge in COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations. I want to make sure that you are aware of recent pandemic-related actions taken by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health of California (Cal/OSHA) which impact health and safety in California workplaces.
Virtual CFS Caseload Management on Dec. 16
December 10, 2020
As the County continues to grapple with the unprecedented challenges brought by COVID-19, it's important that OCEA members and workplace leaders have a voice. The Caseload Management Forum is an opportunity to address concerns and be a part of the conversation with management. The goal is to work collaboratively on caseload and workplace solutions.
Sen. Tom Umberg invites OCEA members to Legislative Briefing
December 10, 2020
On the first day of the current legislative session, Sen. Umberg introduced a slate of bills focusing on free and fair elections including protections for voters and poll workers.