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.
AMEA petitions for Board membership due!
July 28, 2020
It's time to submit your Board of Directors Election Petition form. Click here to download and print the form, complete it and then get it back to us by August 13, 2020.
Postponed: AMEA General Meeting on July 30
July 24, 2020
THE JULY 30, 2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING IS POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS
Check your paycheck this Friday
July 23, 2020
It's hard to find good news for public servants in the midst of a historic pandemic but we have some to share. County workers receiving their regularly scheduled paycheck this Friday should notice a bump in their pay.
COVID-19 resources for you and your family
July 21, 2020
As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues its disruptions to our lives and workplaces, we wanted to send you a brief reminder regarding our OCEA Resource Directory currently available on our website. We have compiled this resource document to help you navigate services available in your community and our state.
Help support union brothers & sisters in Costa Mesa
July 20, 2020
Many of you may remember the battles fought by OCEA and our members in the Costa Mesa City Employees Association when an anti-worker City Council majority attempted to layoff hundreds of City workers in violation of our negotiated labor agreements. We won that fight in court and when the Council put anti-worker initiatives before the voters, we defeated them again at the ballot box.
Update - San Clemente MOU negotiations
July 17, 2020
As many of you know, the San Clemente City Council rejected the Tentative Agreement (TA) reached by your Bargaining Team and the City's own negotiators on April 7, 2020. The reason the City gave for rejecting the TA is the language providing 12-months of COBRA medical coverage to laid-off workers. The Council would like that reduced to six months. Additionally, the Council wants a shorter-term MOU rather than the three-year agreement previously negotiated with the City. The Council is citing revenue uncertainties created by the Coronavirus pandemic as justification for its actions.
AMEA update: COVID-19 City budget impacts
July 17, 2020
As you know, our scheduled wage increase has been implemented. From the outset, we have strongly encouraged the City to approach its financial challenges wisely and cautiously. To date, that is what the City has done. We have not had any further discussions with the City or been informed of any negative impact of the City's financial condition on AMEA members. We do know that the City's budget shortfall has been reduced somewhat because of certain COVID-19 related expenses the City has been able to receive reimbursement for through the federal CARES Act.
AMEA General Membership Meeting is July 30
July 16, 2020
Our monthly General Membership meeting is scheduled to take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30, 2020.
County adopts voluntary incentives for worker resignations, retirements
July 16, 2020
On Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors adopted a Voluntary Incentive Program (VIP) that establishes incentives to workers to voluntarily leave the County workforce. The Board also approved a voluntary furlough program, and the ability to opt out of the Sharewell PPO Health Plan. Today, County Human Resources held two information seminars via Zoom to explain the new program.
Have you been to an OCEA Health Fair? Tell us about it!
July 15, 2020
OCEA has been honored to host our Health & Welfare Trust Health Fair for the past several decades.
Virtual CFS Caseload Management Forum Wednesday, July 15
July 13, 2020
As the County continues its reopening process, it's important that OCEA members and workplace leaders have a voice. The Caseload Management Forum on July 15 is an opportunity to address concerns and be a part of the conversation with management. The goal is to work collaboratively on caseload and workplace solutions.
County Proposes Voluntary Separation Incentives, Voluntary Furlough Program and Sharewell Opt-out
July 10, 2020
The County is evaluating possible COVID-19 related budget shortfalls and intends to propose incentives to workers to voluntarily leave the County workforce, a voluntary furlough program, and the ability to opt out of the Sharewell PPO Health Plan. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to review and possibly approve these proposals, including a Voluntary Incentive Program, at its meeting on July 14, 2020.
Update: MOU Pay Increase Remains In Force
July 6, 2020
I want to update you on steps taken by OCEA Board members, Stewards, and staff to protect your financial security in this continuing public health crisis and the resulting County budget shortfalls.
Reminder: Safety Survey Deadline Tomorrow Night!
July 6, 2020
As the opening of the economy fluctuates and reported COVID-19 cases are steadily increasing, you and many of your coworkers are being asked to return to the workplace.
Safety Survey 2.0 Deadline Extended!
July 3, 2020
The response to OCEA's Safety Survey 2.0 has been excellent and I want to thank all OCEA members who have provided an honest and clear view of safety conditions in your workplace. We just discovered that the service receiving and compiling your survey data is down for maintenance and won't be back online in time to give everyone a chance to respond.