Results are in: Safety Survey 2.0

Dear OCEA member,

From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, OCEA members and fellow public servants proved they could rise to this once-in-a-career challenge. Standing together in our union, we have consistently demanded safety, security, and stability—safety in the workplace, security in the form of benefits for your family, and stability on the job so that you and your co-workers can continue to provide essential services.

Recently, OCEA members responded in large numbers to an OCEA safety survey. Member input provided important insights to help focus our union's advocacy on specific concerns most important to you. OCEA staff and workplace leaders have used survey data to require employers to implement changes in many of our workplaces. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey. Here are some highlights:

Almost two-thirds of OCEA members identified telecommuting as the most important workplace need. Implementing telecommuting should be viewed as a mandate and a top priority, not an afterthought. The survey results have been shared with the County CEO, Human Resources, department heads, and others.

We know that in order to provide essential services during this unprecedented time, public employers must demonstrate creativity and flexibility in addressing worker needs and maximizing workplace safety. As this is written, school districts across California are making plans for the fast-approaching school year. We know that the decisions they make will have a tremendous impact on OCEA members and their families. That makes the telecommute option critical for as long as school schedules are impacted by the pandemic.

Once school districts have announced their plans for the fall term, OCEA will again survey members. We will use the additional input to move employers toward worker-friendly practices that provide the protection you need at work and the flexibility you need at home so that you and your family can lead your lives.

OCEA leaders and staff also continue to advocate for the passage of the HEROES Act in Congress to provide urgently needed aid to local government. Politicians in our nation's capital need to do the right thing and provide resources to those on the frontline of this pandemic. The entire Orange County congressional delegation has voted in support of the HEROES Act, and we are proud to stand with them in 2020.

Local public servants have met this crisis with professionalism and courage that fills our community and union with pride. If you want to learn more about how you can help advocate for your co-workers during these difficult times, please go to ocea.org/getinvolved.

In Solidarity,

Charles Barfield
OCEA General Manager

Publication Date: July 29, 2020