OCEA News
Information is power, and OCEA members receive regular email, text and social media updates about workplace issues and news. Many of those emails are archived below.
Virtual Membership Meeting May 28: Negotiations & Budget Updates
May 16, 2025
As you may recall, your last OCEA-negotiated contract resulted in the highest wage increase of any non-safety County bargaining unit when it was ratified (13% total—4.75% in June 2023; 4.25% in 2024; and 4% in June 2025). Our negotiations team was also able to secure multiple other improvements and benefit enhancements that have benefited thousands of OCEA members.
OC San Negotiations Update + Join Us for Hot Dog Day May 22, 2025
May 15, 2025
Your OCEA negotiations team met with the District again yesterday and will return to the table May 22, 2025. We continue to make steady progress in negotiations. While there’s still work to be done, the tone of discussions with OC San has remained positive and productive.
Take the 2025 TTC Staff Survey Now Through Fri., May 23, 2025
May 15, 2025
As most of you know, since 2021, OCEA has been working closely with Treasurer-Tax Collector (“TTC”) staff and County leadership to address long-standing management issues within your department. Specifically, the issues of vacancies and leadership style/culture during the tenure of elected Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich. While some significant improvements were reported early in the process of collaborating with County and department leadership, it is apparent that serious issues remain unresolved. Late last year, the Orange County Board of Supervisors moved not to renew TTC Freidenrich’s investment authority to manage the County’s investment pool of about $17 billion.
A Victory for FSS Workers: CalWORKs Case Management Will Come Back In-House
May 12, 2025
After nearly a decade of persistent advocacy, OCEA has achieved a significant victory for County workers and the communities they serve. Earlier this year, the Orange County Board of Supervisors directed staff to bring the CalWORKs case management work, currently performed by Maximus US Services, back in-house.
Clarifications Regarding our CFS Petition
May 6, 2025
You may have seen our email yesterday regarding the petition for selecting the next Division Director for SSA Children and Family Services. If not, you can click here to read the full email.
CFS Deserves Real Leadership: Demand It Now!
May 5, 2025
The County is in the process of selecting the next Division Director for SSA Children and Family Services. NOW IS THE TIME TO SPEAK UP!
Deadlines Approaching: Court Negotiations Survey & Negotiations Team Applications
May 5, 2025
As you know, Superior Court negotiations will begin in a few short months. Negotiations are where we come together as Court workers to fight for the things that matter most at work—wages, benefits, leave and holidays, work schedules, and so much more. These are the reasons we stand together in our union.
OMEA Negotiations Update – May 2, 2025
May 2, 2025
Your OMEA negotiations team met with the City on Tuesday, April 29, for our fourth bargaining session. This was our first meeting since April 2, as the City cancelled the sessions scheduled for April 10 and April 15. Despite these delays, your team was prepared and engaged, and we will continue pushing forward with additional sessions scheduled for May 5, May 7, May 20, and May 22.
Your Raise Starts Here--Take the Court Negotiations Survey Today!
April 29, 2025
Superior Court negotiations will begin in a few short months. Negotiating a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is the MOST important work we do as your union. This is not only OCEA’s most critical responsibility—it’s a responsibility we share together. Negotiations are where we come together as Court workers to fight for the things that matter most at work—wages, benefits, leave and holidays, work schedules, and so much more. These are the reasons we stand together in our union.
O&E Reorganization Update: April 28, 2025
April 28, 2025
As you're probably aware, the Board of Supervisors approved the proposed reorganization last week. We continue to meet with the County regarding potential impacts on you and your co-workers and we need your help.
OC San Negotiations Update: April 28, 2025
April 28, 2025
Your OCEA negotiations team continues to meet with the District. Since our last update, we presented a counterproposal to the District and they responded with a counterproposal of their own.
OCERS Direct Survey; Your Input is Needed
April 22, 2025
Over the past several months you have likely attended membership meetings or otherwise heard about the possibility of becoming an OCERS-direct employee. Any position OCEA takes will be a very important factor in making that determination.
Your Retirement Security: ADELE REELECTED TO OCERS BOARD UNOPPOSED!
April 17, 2025
Great news for OCERS members! Adele Lopez Tagaloa will serve a third term on the OCERS Board of Trustees without an election. The nomination period closed on April 16, and Adele was the only candidate who qualified for the General Member seat.
O&E Reorganization Update: April 15 Meeting Recap
April 16, 2025
We met with the County Tuesday, April 15, 2025, to continue discussions regarding the proposed reorganization of your program. Representing O&E at the table were Michelle Ruiz, Thanh Nghi Nguyen, Julio Ventura, Rosa Gonzalez, and OCEA staff.
O&E Reorganization Update: April 21, 2025
April 16, 2025
On April 16, OCEA met with both County and department leadership to discuss the County's proposal to reorganize OC O&E under the Office of Care Coordination (OCC) and Behavioral Health Navigation (BHN). Both meetings exemplify the ongoing collaborative efforts between OCEA and the County to address your concerns regarding this transition.