Read the SLOCEA blog for news and updates on what’s happening with your local, independent labor union.
Labor Day’s Historical Roots and Modern Significance
Labor Day, celebrated annually on the first Monday in September, stands as a tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. Its roots stretch back to the late 19th century, a period marked by intense industrialization and labor unrest...
Nominations OPEN for 2025 Negotiating Teams
Interested in serving on SLOCEA's Negotiating Teams for the County bargaining units? The nomination period for the 2025 Negotiating Teams is now open! Check out the article for more information and the nomination form.
Politics at Work as a Public Employee
The upcoming presidential election is foremost in the minds of many. Navigating political activities as public employees requires a clear understanding of the legal boundaries set by state and federal laws. One of the most important points to remember is that while you have the right as a public employee to engage in political activities, there are strict prohibitions ...
Public Service Spotlight: Leann Siebert
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 Steward, Leann Siebert!
The Right to Display Non-Permanent Union Insignia on Work Vehicles
California public employees have long enjoyed the right to display union insignia and messages regarding working conditions in the workplace. Absent special circumstances, restrictions on the display of union insignia and messages unlawfully interfere with employees’ broad right to participate in the activities of ....
How Market Ups and Downs Affect Your Pension Benefits
SLO County Pension Trust Director, Katie Girardi, explains how market fluctuations impact your Pension Benefits and how the Defined Benefit pension plan helps insulate you from risk...
Public Service Spotlight: Kimberly Romero
Public Service Spotlight is a monthly series featuring SLOCEA members who have reached milestone anniversaries in their careers! Join us this month in celebrating with Architectural Technician Kimberly Romero for her 35 years of County public service!
Important Updates to SLOCEA Bylaws: Negotiating Teams
SLOCEA is pleased to inform our members about the recent updates to our bylaws, specifically focusing on the section governing our Negotiating Committee. These changes aim to enhance clarity, improve representation, and streamline our collective bargaining process…
Cultivating an Environment of Psychological Safety
In many workplaces, employees often feel hesitant to speak up, share their ideas, or admit mistakes. This environment stifles collaboration and breeds anxiety, creating a barrier to productivity and job satisfaction. Psychological safety, a concept introduced by…
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...