OCEA Member Update

OCEA member,

Last week OCEA workplace leaders and staff concluded a successful trip to Sacramento to lobby key members of the legislature. Our focus centered on: (1) supporting the additional funding for local courts Governor Brown proposed in the budget earlier this month; and (2) advocating for local control of discretionary funds. Standing together with our legislative allies in Sacramento we will continue to fight for our fair share of funding so OC Court workers can finally receive economic relief you deserve. Below are two other important updates.

Market Studies

In addition to our ongoing efforts to obtain additional Court funding, OCEA workplace leaders and staff will meet in coming weeks with Court management to establish the criteria and timelines for the market studies included in our last agreement. Broadly, the next steps will include determination of timelines and other logistical matters, membership meetings with members in classifications being studied, and updating relevant research. We will provide regular updates throughout this process. 

Safety at CJC

This past Tuesday OCEA received notice that the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) has issued a complaint against the Court in response to OCEA’s unfair practice charge filed on behalf of Central Courthouse workers. 

For years, OCEA members working at Central Court have been subjected to horrendous conditions as they walk from their cars into the Central Courthouse. Health and safety hazards included fecal waste, drug paraphernalia and the threat of physical assault from the homeless encamped in the Courthouse area.

The PERB complaint alleges that:

• A Sept. 16, 2016 inspection found numerous health and safety violations on Court property;
• OCEA requested a meet and confer with the Court on Jan. 27, 2017 pursuant to the MOU;
• Court executives responded on March 16, 2017 by refusing to meet and confer; and
• The Court’s refusal constituted a failure to bargain in good faith with OCEA, interfered with the rights of OCEA-represented workers to be represented by OCEA; and interfered with OCEA’s right to represent members in all three Court bargaining units.

We will keep you updated as developments occur.  

Standing together, we are going to hold the Court accountable to abide by MOU provisions protecting your health and safety and that of your coworkers.

In Solidarity,

Jennifer Beuthin
OCEA General Manager

Publication Date: January 26, 2018