Market Adjustments for Cooks Approved

Dear OCEA member,

After many years of OCEA pushing for market adjustments for workers in the Cook series, the County Board of Supervisors approved a recommendation Sept. 26, 2023, to increase wages for several positions. The following changes will be effective beginning Oct. 6 for these classifications:

• Food Service Worker / $18.15 to $20.16, a 6.05% increase
• Sr. Institutional Cook becomes Institutional Cook / $31.81 to $32.87, a 3.33% increase
• Head Cook removed
• Sr. Head Cook becomes Head Institutional Cook / $35.27 to $36.65, a 1.05% increase
• Chief Cook becomes Supervising Institutional Cook / $38.27 to $38.69, a 1.10% increase
• Food Service Worker and Institutional Cook added to Jail Salary Supplemental Pay

The changes affect cooks at the Sheriff’s Department, Probation and Social Services Agency. While this is progress, further increases are necessary to address the ongoing challenges in recruitment and retention. We emphasized that cities do not employ cooks in their jails, they outsource their culinary services. We strongly advocated for the inclusion of the private industry in our market and urged the County to aim beyond the market average so they can recruit and retain employees. OCEA will continue in its effort to encourage the County to include cooks across all areas of the profession and to aspire beyond the average market standard.

We want to thank all cooks at the Sheriff’s Department who participated in pushing these adjustments forward for cooks Countywide. On behalf of your fellow members and co-workers, we appreciate your efforts.

In Solidarity,

OCEA

Publication Date: October 6, 2023