Making Life Work During the COVID-19 Crisis

Dear OCEA member,

Every OCEA member’s efforts to balance work and family life during the COVID-19 crisis are unique to that member. We will continue to keep you informed as we learn new (and sometimes inconsistent) protocols being established by the County which may impact your efforts.

OCEA was initially informed that the County would place employees over the age of 65 and those with serious health conditions on paid leave, while the County continued to assess its essential functions and capacity to allow working from home. That was also the understanding of many managers, and in some instances County employees over age 65 were directed to go home on paid administrative leave. Other public employers in which OCEA represents bargaining units have taken similar action, including the Orange County Superior Court.

We have now been informed that the County is walking back its previous position and will not place older or compromised employees on paid administrative leave. We continue to pressure the CEO and members of the Board of Supervisors to place those employees most at risk on paid administrative leave in order to protect their safety and that of their co-workers.

We will of course update you as often as this rapidly evolving crisis requires. Meanwhile, stay as safe as possible under these difficult circumstances.

In solidarity,

Charles Barfield
OCEA General Manager

Publication Date: March 18, 2020