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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Public workers meet COVID-19 crisis head-on
April 3, 2020
The Voice of OC digital news publication printed an editorial written by OCEA that reflects the commitment, professionalism and dedication you and your fellow OCEA members have demonstrated to the community as the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded. The article has my by-line but it is actually written by all of you and the work you do every day to keep Orange County safe in dangerous times.
SSO Assignment Tracker
April 2, 2020
The past few weeks have proven to be a challenge for all of us in this great nation. We have worked together as OCEA Members and Sheriff's Department employees to overcome those challenges. Despite our recent setback with the California Supreme Court, we will continue to advocate on behalf of the SSO classification.
RECAP—OCEA Membership Briefing Call-in
April 1, 2020
The COVID-19 crisis caused OCEA to examine how to successfully continue to do the essential work of advocating for your health and safety on the job. OCEA has led by example by closing our building to the public and providing all staff members with the ability to telecommute. Your health and safety remain our focus as the pandemic unfolds.
COVID-19 Message to AMEA Members
March 30, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with challenges none of us ever expected to face. Be assured that each day your AMEA Board of Directors and Officers are working diligently to ensure that you and your families are both safe and secure.
TUESDAY, March 31: OCEA Membership Briefing Call-in
March 29, 2020
Our County, our state, our nation, and the entire planet faces an unprecedented challenge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few weeks, each day has brought changes for every OCEA member.
COVID-19 update for Court workers
March 27, 2020
Today concludes week two of our response to the unprecedented workplace impacts triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a new development, California's Chief Justice has approved an extension on Court closures through April 24, 2020. You can read an email update sent today from the Court below.