OC Waste & Recycling
OCEA members at OC Waste & Recycling are represented by union stewards and a professional staff of labor relations representatives. Standing together, every OCEA member at OC Waste & Recycling plays a role in achieving better wages, retirement security and fair rights on the job.
The information below is a resource for all OCEA members at OC Waste & Recycling. Below, you will find a list of stewards and staff representatives for OCEA members assigned to OC Waste & Recycling. You’ll also find the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which is the negotiated union contract that sets forth the wages, hours and working conditions guiding your employment. And you can also find updates and news from OCEA about what’s happening in your agency and across the County.
Stay informed: Union news that affects you!
Building on Our Strength for 2026: Virtual Membership Meeting Recap
June 4, 2025
Thank you to the hundreds of OCEA members who joined our virtual membership meetings last Tuesday, May 28, 2025. For those unable to attend, you can watch the full video by clicking the play button above.
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes This Memorial Day
May 26, 2025
As we observe Memorial Day today, OCEA remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation. Their courage secured the freedoms we exercise every day—including the right to organize and advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity in the workplace.
Virtual Membership Meeting May 28: Negotiations & Budget Updates
May 16, 2025
As you may recall, your last OCEA-negotiated contract resulted in the highest wage increase of any non-safety County bargaining unit when it was ratified (13% total—4.75% in June 2023; 4.25% in 2024; and 4% in June 2025). Our negotiations team was also able to secure multiple other improvements and benefit enhancements that have benefited thousands of OCEA members.
Your Retirement Security: ADELE REELECTED TO OCERS BOARD UNOPPOSED!
April 17, 2025
Great news for OCERS members! Adele Lopez Tagaloa will serve a third term on the OCERS Board of Trustees without an election. The nomination period closed on April 16, and Adele was the only candidate who qualified for the General Member seat.
OCEA Members Only: April 22 on Zoom--Federal Budget Insights with Congressman Mike Levin
April 14, 2025
Please join Congressman Mike Levin and OCEA for a virtual legislative briefing at 5:30 p.m. April 22. The Federal budget has important implications for OCEA members throughout the county, cities, and special districts.
OC WASTE & RECYCLING STEWARDS
Damion Cotton
William Flores
Joseph Hernandez
Christopher Martinez
HAVE A QUESTION?
OCEA LABOR RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE
Carolyn Gasga
Labor Relations Representative
Sam Rice
Labor Relations Specialist