O.C. Probation Staff: Know Your Rights as an OCEA member!

Dear OCEA member,

Several of you have reached out to us with inquiries about your workplace rights as OCEA members. Below we have provided a general summary of those rights.

Some of your inquiries and shared concerns have involved supervisors and managers telling staff not to report any workplace issues to the Union. It is important you know that as a union member you are legally protected and have the right to contact your union about workplace issues!

On July 10, 2023, we had a very productive and cooperative meeting with Chief Hernandez and Chief Deputy Medina to discuss the cessation of supervisorial and managerial interference with your rights and better ways to assist all Probation Department professional staff. The Chiefs confirmed they are open to working collaboratively with OCEA to find and implement solutions to issues and we look forward to working with them.

AS AN OCEA MEMBER, YOU ARE PROTECTED AGAINST:

• Mistreatment in the workplace
• Harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or favoritism
• Being disciplined without cause, up to and including termination
• Being forced to work without pay

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE REPRESENTED BY OCEA AT ANY MEETING WHICH YOU REASONABLY BELIEVE MAY LEAD TO DISCIPLINE.

 Could a meeting you attend lead to disciplinary action of any kind, including but not limited to termination?

IF THE ANSWER IS YES, ASK FOR REPRESENTATION.

DOs AND DON’Ts:

• Do request union representation if you believe you may be subject to discipline.
• If management refuses to allow representation, do document the refusal.
• Don’t make written or verbal statements of guilt or innocence.

You do not have a right to the presence of a union representative if:

• A meeting is merely for the purpose of conveying work instructions, training, or communicating needed corrections to your work techniques.
• You are assured by the employer prior to a meeting that no discipline or employment consequences can result from the meeting.

In closing, we want to be clear that we represent both line staff and supervisors. To protect all OCEA members including themselves, we ask that supervisors refrain from making statements or taking actions that interfere with any worker’s right to representation.  

We are always willing and open to working with you. If you have any questions, please, reach out to your OCEA Representatives.

Danielle Chau: 714-564-3256 | dchau@ocea.org
Louis (Louie) Gurrola: 714-564-3259 |  lgurrola@ocea.org
Jessica Salazar: Direct: 714-564-3225 | jsalazar@ocea.org

In Solidarity,

OCEA

Publication Date: July 25, 2023