Mediated Tentative Agreement--Membership Meeting Schedule

OCEA member,

Last week the OC Superior Court and OCEA retained a mediator from the State Mediation and Conciliation Services (SMCS). As a result of the mediation, the neutral third party was able to forge an agreement between the two parties. The mediated tentative agreement comes after several months of arduous negotiations with the Court. These negotiations were often tense and at times combative. The OCEA bargaining team was resolute in advocating for all members and their interests. The Court was equally resolute in its position that the financial situation created by Sacramento precluded the wage enhancements that were proposed by OCEA. The mediator from the state sought to bridge the differences and attempted to find a compromise.

The mediated agreement has been recommended for ratification (in part) for the following reasons: OCEA members will see a base building wage increase; it requires that the Court conduct market studies on job classifications designated by OCEA; and it provides for tangible contract improvements that have a direct and favorable impact on most OCEA members.

The mediated tentative agreement is not the end. In fact, it is just the beginning. Working to impact state funding with a new Governor, building a positive relationship with the incoming Presiding Judge, and further building the workplace organization necessary for the challenges facing Court workers will be work that needs to continue long past this or any other agreement.

Please join us for one of our informational meetings taking place this week to learn more about the mediated tentative agreement and what will come next:

Wednesday, Dec. 6
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. & 5:30–7 p.m.
OCEA (Under the Building)

Thursday, Dec. 7
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
WJC–West Camp Room

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
LJC–3rd Floor Multi-purpose Room

Friday, Dec. 8
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
NJC–Business Center Room

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
HJC–Jury Assembly Room

OCEA Bargaining team representatives will be on hand for a brief presentation on the mediated tentative agreement as well as to answer questions. All best efforts will be made to accommodate the various lunch schedules. Also, at these meetings, more information will be available on the voting process. Voting will take place online and in person at OCEA. OCEA has retained an independent third party to conduct the vote count and voting instructions will be forthcoming. In the meantime, if you have questions feel free to call or email me.

In Solidarity,

Bridgette Washington
Senior Labor Relations Representative

Publication Date: December 4, 2017