Read the SLOCEA blog for news and updates on what’s happening with your local, independent labor union.
The Crucial Role of Interactive Process Meetings in ADA Accommodations
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a cornerstone of workers' rights, ensuring that employees with disabilities (both temporary and permanent) receive reasonable accommodations to perform their jobs effectively. Labor unions play a pivotal role in advocating for these rights, particularly during the interactive process meeting—a collaborative effort between employers and employees to find reasonable accommodations….
Recognizing the Achievements of the Los Osos Water Recycling Facility
The Los Osos Water Recycling Facility was recently named the 2023 Small Plant of the Year by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) for the facility's accomplishments in compliance, innovative practices, cost effectiveness, and superior plant performance…
Celebrating Pride Month: Honoring the Legacy of the LGBTQ+ and Labor Rights
As Pride Month rolls around, your first thoughts might not be of the labor movement or its connection to the LGBTQ+ community. While Pride is a time to celebrate and commemorate the rich history and culture of this community, it is also a time for action...
Introducing New Board Director, Jeannette Saenz
SLOCEA is thrilled to have Jeannette Sanez join our Board of Directors in seat #5, BU 01 Public Services, having been sworn in at the Board of Directors meeting on May 15, 2024.
Public Service Spotlight: Jeremiah Damery
Public Service Spotlight is a monthly series featuring SLOCEA members who have reached milestone anniversaries in their careers! Join us this month in celebrating 2022 Negotiating Team member and Environmental Health Specialist Jeremiah Damery!
The Importance of Timely and Comprehensive Supervisory Training
Supervisors play a critical role in the County and Superior Court’s structure. They are responsible for managing teams, ensuring productivity, and maintaining a positive work environment. Effective supervisors act as the bridge between employees and management …
Step Into Retirement Benefits FAQS: Part Two
Welcome back to the second installment of our Retirement Benefits FAQ Section! In this continuation from last month, we'll further explore your questions about retirement planning, pension benefits, and post-retirement considerations…
Growing our Steward Roster
SLOCEA is pleased to announce that on May 15th Janet Soto was appointed by the Board of Directors to serve on the Steward Committee…
Understanding Parental Leave Timeframes and Benefits
Parental leave is a significant period for new parents to recover from childbirth and bond with their newborns. Understanding the intricacies of parental leave policies, especially in conjunction with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), is crucial for expecting parents.
Public Service Spotlight: Heather Griffin
Public Service Spotlight is a monthly series featuring SLOCEA members who have reached milestone anniversaries in their careers! Join us this month in celebrating SLOCEA steward Heather Griffin, ERS III at the Department of Social Services!
Protecting Your Rights: Understanding Just Cause
As your representative, SLOCEA is committed to ensuring that your rights are protected and that fair treatment is upheld in all aspects of your employment. One crucial aspect of fair treatment is the principle of "just cause". Just cause is a standard used to evaluate the grounds for disciplinary actions against an employee.
Step Into Retirement Benefits FAQ: Part One
Step into the Retirement Benefits FAQ Section, the first installment of a two-part series. Whether you're navigating your pension plan, planning for retirement, or considering your options post-retirement, these segments are designed to provide answers to common questions and help clarify any uncertainties you may have about your retirement benefits.
Public Service Spotlight
Public Service Spotlight is a monthly series featuring SLOCEA members who have reached milestone anniversaries in their careers! Join us this month in celebrating SLOCEA steward and Director Mark McCullough, ERS III at the Department of Social Services!
Introducing Mobile Dentistry with Jet Dental
Jet Dental is a nationwide mobile on-site dental provider that allows you to receive dental services conveniently at a location near your place of work. Jet Dental is considered an in-network provider for the County Aetna DHMO and Delta Dental PPO insurances, allowing you to receive diagnostic and preventative services covered 100% by your insurance plan.
Navigating Social Media Responsibly
Social media platforms have transformed the way we communicate and share information. From personal updates to political opinions, we use these channels to express ourselves and engage with others. While platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram offer opportunities for connection and expression, it's crucial to understand how your online presence can impact your professional lives, including your workplace environment and employment.
The Realistic Approach to Retirement Planning: Navigating Living Expenses in Our Current World
Picture this: you're on the brink of retirement, facing the reality of managing day-to-day expenses without the safety net of a regular paycheck. It's a sobering thought, but it's the truth of retirement planning in today's world…
Collective Bargaining Update: LOCSD
After five negotiation sessions and numerous proposals and email exchanges, a tentative agreement was reached between SLOCEA and the Los Osos Community Services District on March 11, 2024, signaling a significant milestone in the negotiation process.
Cannabis and the Workplace
New laws in California now prevent employers from discriminating against employees for off-the-clock cannabis use, or from asking applicants about prior cannabis use.
Enhancing the Representational Rights of Temporary Employees
AB 1484 gives temporary workers of public sector agencies the right to form, join, and be represented by an employee organization such as SLOCEA while bolstering bargaining rights of temporary employees. It also represents a significant win for labor advocates and temporary public workers across the state as they are now given an avenue to advocate for more secure employment for temporary workers.
Supervisory Best Practices
An effective supervisor has the ability to influence how employees feel about their jobs and the service they provide to the public. The County’s Supervisory Practices Guide outlines three critical roles a supervisor fills: leader, coach, and mentor.