OMEA ACTION ALERT: City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 27
Dear OMEA member,
As we continue to face difficult negotiations with the City of Orange, your presence is urgently needed at the upcoming Orange City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 27, at 6 p.m. Now is the time to stand together, show our strength, and make sure City leaders hear directly from the people who keep the City running.
Dinner Provided: Join us early for pizza and solidarity! We'll gather in the City Hall parking lot at 5:15 p.m. for a short rally before heading into the Council chambers. We understand the majority of our group is not off work until 5:30pm so please join us when you are able.
Why This Matters
After last year’s failed Measure Z tax proposal, the City is trying to close its $19 million budget gap by shortchanging frontline workers — the same employees who’ve kept services running under increasingly difficult conditions.
Let’s be clear: This crisis wasn’t created by the employees who show up to serve the public every day. It's the result of years of financial mismanagement. Yet now, it's City workers who are being asked to pay the price — with no meaningful cost-of-living adjustment on the table, unacceptable takeaways, and no serious plan to stabilize staffing or retain the talent this City depends on.
The Plan
5:15 PM – Pre-Meeting Rally & Pizza
City Hall parking lot (300 E. Chapman Ave.)
Meet for food, unity, and quick prep before the meeting.
6:00 PM – Council Meeting Begins
Public comment typically takes place early in the meeting. We’ll be ready.
Ways to Speak Up
- Speak in Person (up to 3 minutes):
Let Council hear directly from you. Tell your story. Explain why fair wages and safe staffing matter. - Submit a Written Comment:
Prefer not to speak publicly? No problem. Submit your comment online by 3 p.m. the day of the meeting. The e-comment form will be posted here closer to the date:
City Council Meeting Calendar
Your Voice = Our Power
In previous surveys, 39 OMEA members have committed to attend, with 13 expressing interest in speaking — and we want you with us. When we fill the room, we send a message the City can’t ignore: Orange works because we do — and we deserve respect. So far, 3 of your OMEA board members have committed to speak as well as multiple speakers from OCEA. If you are interested in speaking please contact me or one of your OMEA board members. Even if you don't feel comfortable speaking, your presence will provide support and show the strength in our commitment to fight for what we deserve.
RSVP Now
Please RSVP by replying to this email by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 26, so we can plan for food and materials. Flyers with this info are also being distributed — check in with your Board or your OCEA staff reps if you have questions. Considering this is a short turnaround please feel free to reach out to me on my personal number at 714-264-5095 with any questions.
This is our moment to show up, speak out, and stand together.
In Solidarity,
OMEA
Publication Date: May 22, 2025