Important Court Reporter Update

Dear Court Reporter / OCEA member,

We join you in expressing extreme disappointment and shock at the Judicial Council’s press release regarding the Court Reporter shortage in California. In its release the Judicial Council advocates for an “adjustment of the statutory framework of court reporting.” In other words, electronic reporting.

The six-page release is signed by every CEO from the California Superior Court system, including David Yamasaki. This is remarkable considering that over the past several months OCEA and the OC Superior Court have been negotiating a new MOU that includes Court Reporters. At no time during negotiations did the Court even mention, much less advocate, any move to electronic reporting. Learning about this from a press release is both insulting and disrespectful.

At the time the release was circulated, OCEA Assistant General Manager Tim Steed and OCEA Legislative Advocate Pat Moran were on a teleconference with Senate staff discussing important Court worker issues in advance of the 2023 legislative session. OCEA has immediately made our opposition to the Judicial Council’s scheme clear! In addition, we have immediately convened meetings with our fellow unions throughout California to create a comprehensive response both legislatively and locally. Punishing Court Reporters is no way to ensure adequate access to justice in California.

OCEA will be working with OCEA leaders Aimee Skochko and Kristi Johnston and others as we craft our initial response. Be on the lookout for a membership meeting and other ways you can join efforts to fight this dangerous and misleading idea. Your union stands in solidarity with your profession and the respect your critical work deserves.

In Solidarity,

OCEA

Publication Date: November 3, 2022