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.
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.
Orangewood Update - COVID-19
April 23, 2020
We have received numerous inquiries from OCEA members at Orangewood concerned about exposure to the COVID-19 virus and threats to their health.
OCEA Safety Survey: Take action NOW!
April 22, 2020
Over these past few weeks, many of you have expressed concerns with insufficient social distancing and personal protective equipment at your worksites. Your coworkers and OCEA Stewards report that managers are resisting alternatives to in-person meetings/visits for non-imminent cases that reduce exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Getting to know your AMEA - Service Awards
April 20, 2020
We know the City thrives when its employees are properly compensated, treated fairly, and recognized for their service. During the COVID-19 pandemic gripping our country, public workers continue to provide a high level of service that makes our community proud. Some of our members dedicate their entire careers to public service, which we know can be a thankless job at times.
911 Dispatchers recognized during National Telecommunicators Week!
April 15, 2020
April 12 -18 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week recognizing the contributions of our public safety dispatchers. Across the nation in times of intense personal crisis and community-wide disasters, these public servants are the first voices our residents hear when they call for help.
CANCELED! AMEA General Membership Meeting April 30
April 14, 2020
General Membership Meeting Canceled
Dependent Care Reimbursement Account Update
April 14, 2020
Late last week County Human Resource Services (HRS) sent a notice to workers currently enrolled in a pre-tax Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA).
Attention SSA Workers: Important COVID-19 Update
April 14, 2020
Over these past few weeks, many of you have expressed concerns with insufficient social distancing and personal protective equipment at your worksites. Your coworkers and OCEA Stewards report that managers are resisting alternatives to in-person meetings/visits for non-imminent cases that reduce exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 Testing For ALL Sheriff's Department Personnel
April 11, 2020
Many of you have recently contacted OCEA regarding an April 9 Internal Bulletin titled "COVID-19 Testing of Symptomatic Sworn Personnel.” The Bulletin did not mention testing availability for other workers at the Sheriff’s Department.
Postponement of Annual Meeting/Election
April 9, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has impacted all of our lives in big ways and small. City Hall is closed to the public and the AMEA office is temporarily closed. The Governor, the California Department of Health, and the Orange County Medical Officer have issued a series of directives regarding personal conduct during the pandemic, including a ban on large gatherings and numerous other social distancing measures.
COVID-19 Update from OCEA
April 8, 2020
You and your co-workers continue to make the community proud and grateful as you provide essential services to County residents with remarkable dedication and professionalism. It is public health professionals and other essential workers who are key to helping pull us through the historic COVID-19 pandemic.
Clarification on Court Pay Practices
April 8, 2020
First of all, let me say that OCEA hopes that each and every one of you are safe and healthy. Life, including work life, will resume to normal at some point in time. By closing nearly every aspect of Court operations and sending nearly all staff home with full pay, the Court has led the way in this instance, protecting their workforce from greater exposure to this virus.
Safety Conditions in OC Detention Facilities
April 6, 2020
As we enter a new week, I again want to say thank you for all you do for our community on the front-lines of the fight against COVID-19. You have all served with courage and professionalism in the face of the pandemic.