Superior Court Negotiations Update: Sept. 30, 2025

Dear OCEA Superior Court member,

In late August your OCEA Superior Court negotiations team presented our opening proposal to the Court. Your OCEA team shared your feedback and personal experiences about the challenges facing Court employees, from the cost of living in Orange County to the changing nature of Court work. OCEA’s opening proposal addressed not just the issues Court employees face today, but also the stability needed for the uncertain times ahead.

The Court presented its opening proposal Friday, Sept. 12, and also responded to OCEA. If you recall, the Court has forecast bleak years ahead financially due to a lack of funding from the State. Our team conveyed to the Court that we understand that some parts of the budget are out of their control, but we stressed that the resources they do have should prioritize employees. We also reminded the Court that while monetary improvements are the priority, they are not our members’ sole interest during these negotiations.

Employees want the Court to demonstrate respect for workers by, among other things, providing additional flexibility and actively addressing workload issues. The Court’s opening proposal was not where we need it to be, but it did demonstrate an effort by the Court to respond substantively to our proposal.

We submitted our current counter proposal the same day, and even reached tentative agreements on two small but meaningful improvements  We also secured the continuation of side letters for Court Reporter retention and recruitment benefits currently funded by the State, continued use of the OCEA parking lot for CJC employee parking, and continuation of the voluntary furlough program. As a reminder, any tentative agreements reached remain TENTATIVE until a complete agreement is reached.

We will continue to push for increased wages, leave time enhancements, classification study reviews for challenging classifications such as LPS’s and Court Clerks, and other items prioritized by members.

We remain committed to fighting for a contract that recognizes your dedication to serving the public through supporting the judicial system. OCEA and the Court will next meet to continue negotiations Oct. 10.

Do you want to get more involved in Negotiations and OCEA? Click HERE!

In Solidarity,

OCEA

Publication Date: September 30, 2025