OC Animal Care Update: May 2, 2022

Dear OCEA member, 

As you know, in late 2012 the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1162, which updated the penal code to require individuals who possess and administer controlled substances to undergo State and Federal background checks and to be free of any drug or alcohol-related convictions.

On Tuesday, April 26, 2022, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to approve implementation of SB 1162.

The implementation will vary depending upon classification. If you are currently a Senior Animal Care Officer (Sr. ACO) or a Supervising Animal Care Officer (Sup. ACO), you will be subject to a background check. If you are currently an Animal Care Officer (ACO), you are not subject to a background check, but you can opt-in and receive a one-time incentive. You can see the full Side Letter Agreement between the County and OCEA here.

We have been negotiating the implementation of SB 1162 since September 2019. Our main goal was to make sure nobody lost their job or pay due to implementation. We want to recognize OCAC stewards Alexandra Su and Erin Suggett for their help in the process.

The department initially wanted every classification to undergo background checks, even if their job did not require handling controlled substances. We had many discussions to get to the point where we are now:

• Options will vary depending on classification (ACO, Sr. ACO, Sup. ACO).

• These options apply to existing employees in these classifications only; any newly hired employees will need to undergo background checks regardless of classification.

• Employees in all classifications have options to opt-out if they do no want to undergo background checks.

OC Animal Care will soon send more information for those who may be considering exploring other positions within the Agency (transfers and demotions are possible). The time to opt-out or opt-in to a background check is limited.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM THE COUNTY! If you have questions about this, please contact OCEA Labor Relations Representatives Saliem Aregaye and Veronica Rodarte.

In Solidarity,

OCEA

Publication Date: May 2, 2022