OCFA Negotiations Update: May 26, 2022
Dear OCEA member,
Last month Your OCEA Bargaining Team, fellow OCEA members, and OCEA representatives spoke out during public comments at the JPA Board of Directors meeting against OCFA’s insulting proposal given to us at the bargaining table.
We told them “WE ARE NOT A SERVICE, WE ARE YOUR EMPLOYEES.” We reminded them of the critical work you do for the residents of Orange County and highlighted the sacrifices you and your families have made while working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We also pointed out that while the JPA Board has failed to fairly recognize your work at the bargaining table, they gave Executives a pay increase and a bonus to the Fire Chief.
Your Bargaining Team was contacted earlier this week to schedule a follow-up bargaining session; it will happen June 2, 2022. The OCEA Hot Dog Wagon will be at OCFA Headquarters 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. June 2 in advance of bargaining—please join us!
In the meantime, we used this time to send a letter to every member of the OCFA Board of Directors. In addition to providing further education to the JPA Board of Directors, the document also provides important context to our demands. The letter reads in part:
“The public servants of OCEA were on the frontlines of the pandemic. When families had an emergency, it was the Fire Communications professionals who were dispatching help. When it came time to administer vaccines it was OCEA members who staffed the clinics. It is not right that these front-line public servants are being so mistreated.”
You can read the entire letter HERE.
We look forward to our next bargaining session and hope the OCFA JPA Board will have a reasonable position.
Ways to Stay Informed:
• Text “OCFIRE” to 43506 to sign up for time-sensitive communication.
• If your co-workers mention not receiving OCEA emails, direct them to ocea.org to opt-in for emails or update their email preferences.
Get Involved:
• Make sure you have a steward in your section!
• Contact us at ocea.org/getinvolved or speak to a current steward to get more involved.
We will keep you informed of updates as we continue to fight for a fair contract.
In Solidarity,
Sami Soto, Fire Communications Supervisor
John Bowden, Assistant Fire Marshal
Don Friedline, Fleet Services Supervisor
Eric Monroe, Heavy Equipment Operator II
Rich Swanson, Fire Prevention Analyst
Aaron Peardon, OCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative
Kate Wolf, OCEA Labor Relations Representative
Don Drozd, OCEA General Counsel
Charles Barfield, OCEA General Manager
Publication Date: May 26, 2022
