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.
Warning: Anti-Union Organization Requests Personal Information
June 4, 2020
We are writing today to alert you to a potential attack that could impact your job security and personal information.
Update! Court Re-open Plan
May 29, 2020
Over the past ten (10) weeks, we have witnessed unprecedented events related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As you enter the workplace, it is more important than ever for the Court to apply a common sense approach in providing a safe work environment.
Memorial Day and the meaning of sacrifice
May 25, 2020
Our national holidays can provide you, me, and every American an opportunity to put aside our differences and remember those things that bind us together as a nation. Even as our country stands divided in one of the most politically polarized environments since the 1960s, we can all stand together to honor and respect the sacrifices made by so many to preserve our American values and keep our country safe.
Update: AMEA Executive Board discussion with City Manager
May 25, 2020
We hope this email finds you and your family safe. The events of the past few months have been both highly unique and highly unsettling. First the COVID-19 crisis hit, then the City changed City Managers. Disneyland closed, the Convention Center effectively shut down, and hotels either closed or continued to operate with drastically reduced occupancy.
Fiscal year vacation use deadline coming up!
May 22, 2020
This is clearly a time of uncertainty and workplace disruption. Your family, your safety, and your job security are all paramount. Vacation hours and usage may not be at the top of everyone's mind.
Newport Rib Co's Memorial Day offer benefitting Heroes Hall
May 21, 2020
One of Orange County's premiere restaurants, the Newport Rib Company, is hosting a Memorial Day fundraiser for the Heroes Hall Foundation—the organization that manages the Heroes Hall Veterans Museum in Costa Mesa.
Attention! New Benefits Administration goes live June 1
May 19, 2020
The County of Orange is moving from current benefits administrator Secova to Alight Solutions (Alight) as of June 1, 2020. Transition letters informing County employees, Court workers and retired participants were sent last week. This is not an OCEA-negotiated change. Our employers are not obligated to meet and confer on such an issue. We do, however, want to make sure you are receiving the information you need.
Update: Re-opening plans for OCFA Headquarters
May 14, 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.
Deadline approaching! Annual Leave conversion to Healthcare
May 13, 2020
The COVID-19 crisis has dramatically impacted all of us and worker leave balances may be more influx than ever. Our negotiated contracts with the County included a transition from the Annual Leave system to Healthcare and Vacation Leave, which provides much of the same flexibility as Annual Leave, while at the same time providing the security of being able to cash out more hours with no approval required. Another component of the conversion allows OCEA-represented employees a one-time election to convert an unlimited amount of Annual Leave over to Healthcare Leave.
Editorial: OC Public Servants Speak Out About Workplace Safety
May 11, 2020
Your workplace safety is OCEA's top priority. You and your coworkers have given us the data we need to push our public employers in the right direction when it comes to protecting you and your family from the Coronavirus at work.
COVID-19 resources for you and your family
May 8, 2020
Our County, our state, our nation, and the entire planet faces an unprecedented challenge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us have had our personal and professional lives upended by changing public health conditions, changing workplace environments, and more. But one thing has not changed - OCEA's commitment to you and your co-workers.
OCEA Update - Safety Survey Results!
May 4, 2020
Thank you to everyone who completed the OCEA Safety Survey last week. As evidenced by the statistics and testimony from public workers, massive safety gaps exist for essential frontline workers.
Update - Confirmed COVID-19 cases at the Jails
April 28, 2020
We wanted to provide you with an update on workplace safety conditions among the Orange County Jail’s Correctional Health staff.
Reminder: Take the OCEA Safety Survey
April 25, 2020
Thank you for continued leadership and service during this public health crisis. In the past weeks, workers have fought for additional safety measures in their workplace resulting in modified work arrangements, social distancing in the workplace, and additional protection for essential frontline workers who cannot telecommute.
Editorial: Keep Public Servants Working to Keep Our Communities Safe
April 24, 2020
The Voice of OC digital news publication posted an editorial written by OCEA General Manager Charles Barfield. CB advocates that Washington D.C. provide additional critical financial support for local government in response to the pandemic.