OCEA drives approval by County Supervisors of more COVID leave

Dear OCEA member,

In direct response to OCEA’s demands, the Board of Supervisors (BOS) today authorized the County CEO to administer a 2022 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Program (EPSL). County workers will each receive up to 40 hours of paid sick leave for qualifying COVID-related absences.

The 2022 EPSL Program is effective Dec. 31, 2021 through April 7, 2022. For all workers, the ability to use emergency leave will be in addition to any existing leave balances. Click here to review the staff report. 

The Board also approved the option to provide an additional 40 hours of paid sick leave to County workers at the discretion of the County CEO. If instituted, that program would run through June 30, 2022. 

As the Omicron variant infection rates led to an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases, OCEA took action and demanded the County provide County workers with additional EPSL. This is what standing together in our union looks like. 

We will continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly to ensure the safety, security, and stability of working families represented by OCEA.

In Solidarity, 

Charles Barfield
OCEA General Manager

Publication Date: January 11, 2022