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.
This Thursday! OCEA Town Hall featuring Rep. Harley Rouda and more
September 28, 2020
The 2020 Election is right around the corner, and we want you to meet your OCEA-endorsed labor champions! Please join us at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, October 1 for a special OCEA Town Hall!
Tossing and turning ? Attend virtual UCI Seminar on "Better Sleep"
September 25, 2020
We have heard from many of you that you miss our “members only” events previously held at OCEA Headquarters or at various work locations. These seminars on personal finance, health and recreational activities are designed to help you with both your personal and professional development.
OCEA Guidance for County/Court EME Program Participants During Open Enrollment
September 25, 2020
A valuable benefit offered to married or domestically partnered County employees (fulltime, regular or limited term) the opportunity to enroll in a County-sponsored health plan as Employee Married to Employee (EME). Under the EME Program, the County will pay more toward the cost of health plan rates for yourself, your spouse or domestic partner, and all eligible dependent children when enrolled as EME instead of enrolling separately. The County will pay 100% of the premium if the Subscriber (the primary insured person) is eligible for the OC Healthy Steps program and completes the program, or the Subscriber is exempt from the program, and 95% of the premium if the Subscriber chooses not to participate in the program.
OCEA Virtual Health Fair Opportunity Drawing—It's not too late to enter!
September 24, 2020
While COVID-19 prevented us from having an in-person Health Fair this year, we have still had the opportunity to bring the health and wellness information, giveaways and fun that is the OCEA Health Fair to our members in new and innovative ways. If you haven’t taken a virtual tour of the OCEA Health Fair online at ocea.org/healthfair and the "My Health & Safety” tab, we invite you to do so.
Update: Mandatory flu shots for HCA workers
September 23, 2020
I am contacting you regarding the verification process the Health Care Agency (HCA) has established regarding mandatory flu vaccinations. The agency has directed that flu vaccination records and certifications be sent directly to Employee Health Services by email at ehs@ochca.com.
Court negotiations reach impasse
September 22, 2020
As many of you know, OCEA workplace leaders Kim Kaldenbach, Rick Burns, Shanon Sipilovic, Robert Hendricks, and Maria Ruiz, along with OCEA staff, have been meeting with Court management regarding the budget challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It's National Voter Registration Day!
September 22, 2020
National Voter Registration Day is the perfect day to make sure EVERY eligible person in your family or household is registered to vote at their current address. Ballots get mailed to voters in 13 days!
OCEA interviews Senate candidate Josh Newman at virtual event
September 21, 2020
Join OCEA General Manager Charles Barfield (CB) and former State Senator Josh Newman for an important discussion on the issues facing working families. It’s a virtual “Zoomin’ with Newman” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.
You can still enter OCEA's Virtual Health Fair Opportunity Drawing!
September 21, 2020
While COVID-19 prevented us from having an in-person Health Fair this year, we have still had the opportunity to bring the health and wellness information, giveaways, and fun that defines the OCEA Health Fair to our members in new and innovative ways. If you haven’t taken a virtual tour of the OCEA Health Fair online at ocea.org/healthfair, we invite you to do so.
Mandatory flu shots for HCA workers
September 16, 2020
As you are likely aware, yesterday afternoon HCA Director and County Health Officer Clayton Chau circulated a memo to all HCA staff. The memo announced Dr. Chau’s directive that all HCA staff receive a flu vaccination by close of business on November 15, 2020. Dr. Chau also recommended, but did NOT mandate, that all HCA staff schedule a COVID-10 PCR test.
AMEA members, take the vision benefits survey!
September 16, 2020
The benefits you and your family depend on are a priority at AMEA. We want to make sure your loved ones get the most value from the coverage available to them. Vision coverage for you and your dependents is an important part of that protection.
Virtual CFS Caseload Management Forum on September 16
September 11, 2020
OCEA is committed to your Safety, Security and Stability - Safety in your workplace, Security in fair wages and benefits that protect you and your family, and Stability that provides fair and consistent workplace policies and procedures. These three elements are critical in seeing us through this historic pandemic.
OCEA Health Fair Swag Bag Distribution: Drive-Thru Pick Up Schedule
September 11, 2020
The first opportunities to pick up an OCEA Health Fair Swag Bag are this week, Sept. 14-18, 2020. Swing by the location most convenient to you on your lunch/break or outside your regularly scheduled work hours. Additional distribution opportunities will be announced throughout September, but supplies are limited so be sure to get yours early!
Agreement reached on Accelerated Separation Program
September 9, 2020
After several negotiations sessions with the City, we have finally reached agreement on the terms of an Accelerated Separation Plan.
OCEA Health Fair goes virtual
September 8, 2020
OCEA's annual Health Fair, presented by the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust, returns beginning today, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. And while it’s still the OCEA Health Fair, the event is going to be...well...different.