OCEA Activities and COVID-19

Dear OCEA member,

Our union is a special place that brings us together as workers. OCEA’s greatest strength is its strength in numbers. This has been the foundation of our union since OCEA’s formation in 1937. In recent weeks, we have monitored the rapidly changing events related to the global spread of the COVID-19 virus. We have taken, and will continue to take, the necessary steps to comply with Federal, State and local recommendations to protect OCEA members and staff from exposure to the virus.

On March 11, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health issued a series of recommendations to stop the spread of COVID-19. The recommendations include cancelling events with more than 250 people and events where social distancing of up to six feet cannot be accommodated. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental recommendations, OCEA will cancel all non-essential meetings for the next two weeks, and will continue to evaluate the situation as it develops.

Beyond the cancellation of non-essential meetings, OCEA wants to ensure the safety of our members and staff by reducing social interaction. We therefore recommend that members contact OCEA by email or telephone for questions or inquiries. As a reminder, OCEA members can contact their Labor Representative, benefits staff, Velece staff and special events through our website, email or telephone.

OCEA Labor Relations Representatives have been monitoring all jurisdictions where OCEA members work to monitor and evaluate the steps employers are taking to protect workers. We are encouraging employers to proactively institute creative arrangements to protect the health and safety of workers. If you have any concerns about your safety, please contact your OCEA Steward immediately.

OCEA members are front-line public servants. Changing our behaviors over the short-term will ensure we protect the health and safety of critical government workers and our families. Thank you for your patience in these extraordinary times.

In Solidarity,

Charles Barfield
OCEA General Manager

(714) 835-3355
Contact Us


Angels and Lakers games have been postponed

As we receive more information from the NBA and MLB, we will reach out to those who've purchased tickets to the postponed Angels and Lakers games. Please call the Special Events Office or use the Contact Us link above to reach out via email to inquire about ticket refunds.

Publication Date: March 12, 2020