Read the SLOCEA blog for news and updates on what’s happening with your local, independent labor union.
Keep Your Heart Healthy During Summer Heat
Maintaining heart health during hot summer months is crucial, as high temperatures can put additional strain on the cardiovascular system…
Public Service Spotlight: Jim Mallon
Public Service Spotlight is a monthly series featuring SLOCEA members who have reached milestone anniversaries in their careers! Join us this month in celebrating long-time SLOCEA member and former Association President, Jim Mallon!
Welcoming New Director, Ryan Barney!
SLOCEA is excited to welcome Ryan Barney as the newest member of the SLOCEA Board of Directors. Ryan was sworn in to seat #19 At-Large at the Board of Directors meeting on June 19, 2024…
Public Service Spotlight: Lesa Gofourth
Public Service Spotlight is a monthly series featuring SLOCEA members who have reached milestone anniversaries in their careers! Join us this month in celebrating long-time SLOCEA member and former Association President, Lesa Gofourth!
Post-Employment Health Plan: My Experience as a Former County Employee
One benefit to SLOCEA members that often goes unnoticed is the Post-Employment Health Plan (PEHP), also known as VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association). Each month if you look over your remuneration statement, you may notice a line item under Employer Paid titled “PEHP SLOCEA” with an amount of $50 on one statement each month…
SLOCEA Appoints Two New Stewards
At the June 19th Board of Directors meeting, two SLOCEA members were appointed to serve on the Steward Committee…
Upcoming Health Care Committee Meeting
Every year in May and July, Human Resources staff meet with the Health Care Committee, made up of representatives from each of the County’s bargaining units. On July 9, 2024, the County will hold its second Health Care Committee meeting with the representatives and will be providing their 2025 Renewal Presentation, which should include renewal rates for January 2025…
Setting Straight Common Misconceptions About Pensions
When it comes to pensions, there are plenty of myths floating around. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of misinformation, especially when the topic is as important (and sometimes complex) as your pension and retirement. Let’s set the record straight on some of these common misconceptions and bring a little clarity—and maybe even a smile—to your pension planning…
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.