Read the SLOCEA blog for news and updates on what’s happening with your local, independent labor union.
Member Letters to County Leadership
As negotiations with the County for a successor MOU slowed to a crawl, SLOCEA held a letter writing campaign, giving our members the opportunity to speak up in a collective effort to make their voices heard!
SLOCEA’s Response to the County’s “Bargaining Update”
On August 13, the County released a public-facing “bargaining update” while negotiations with SLOCEA are still underway. Although it is not unusual for employers to communicate with the public about labor relations, the timing and framing of this update is concerning. By sharing selective details about proposals still on the table and oversimplifying SLOCEA’s concerns, the County’s post presents a one-sided story. We believe it is important to offer additional context …
Standing Strong Together: The Importance of Solidarity in Negotiations
As we move further into contract negotiations, one truth remains clear: our greatest strength is our unity. The County and the Courts come to the bargaining table with a well-defined strategy, an abundance of resources, and a clear set of goals. The only way we can match that strength and ensure that the priorities of our members are respected is by presenting a unified front…
Contract Negotiations: How County and Court Workers Keep SLO County Moving Forward
Every day, the employees of San Luis Obispo County and the Superior Court show up to do the work that keeps our community running. From public health to public safety, airports to roads, social services to environmental protection—our members provide the backbone of government services that touch every single resident of San Luis Obispo County and the Court system. Yet they rarely see the mounting challenges County and Court employees face behind the scenes…
Introducing Our Newest SLOCEA Team Member
SLOCEA is proud to welcome our newest Labor Representative, Jennifer Tate, whose career path, passion for advocacy, and commitment to helping others make her a wonderful addition to our team…
2025 Annual General Membership Meeting
All SLOCEA Members are invited to the 2025 General Membership Meeting! Details and RSVP information here.
What Happens When Bargaining Reaches Impasse?
While SLOCEA and the County are still actively engaged in good-faith bargaining, given the County’s recent economic proposal at the table, there have been many questions from members regarding what happens next, if we don’t reach an agreement…
From Temporary Hire to Trusted Advocate - Staff Spotlight
When Brooke Daphne accepted a temporary position here at the SLOCEA office in October 2018 -- tasked with the major project of digitizing years’ worth of hard-copy membership forms, beneficiary documents, and case files -- she had no idea she was stepping into what would become a career rooted in purpose, advocacy, and transformation…
Understanding the Grievance Process
As a labor union, one of the important roles we play is advocating for the employees that we represent in complaints, pre-grievances and ultimately sometimes formal grievances…
SLOCEA Contract Negotiations Update
As you are all aware, SLOCEA is in the midst of contract negotiations for successor agreements for the following County bargaining units (BU): Public Services BU 01, Supervisory BU 05, and Clerical BU 13, which make up the Big Unit, and Trades, Crafts and Services (BU 02). The contracts expired June 30, 2025…
SLOCEA Reaches Tentative Side Letter Agreements with the County
In addition to our core contract negotiations, SLOCEA regularly engages with the County, the Courts, and the CSD to address workplace issues that fall outside the terms of our main agreements. SLOCEA recently reached tentative agreements for two side letters with the County…
The Importance of Being Informed During Negotiations
As we reported last month, SLOCEA is in contract negotiations with the County for successor agreements as the contracts for the County bargaining units that SLOCEA represents expire on June 30, 2025… learn more about negotiation terms and procedures in this article from Senior Labor Rep, Theresa Schultz.
Standing in Solidarity: LGBTQ+ Rights are Workers’ Rights
June is Pride Month — a time to honor the resilience, courage, and contributions of LGBTQ+ people throughout history and in our present-day communities. It’s also a moment to reflect on the ongoing struggles for justice and equality — especially in the workplace…
Standing With Our Members During County Layoffs
As many of you know, the County of San Luis Obispo is facing a budget shortfall for the next fiscal year, resulting in plans to eliminate programs and lay off employees across various departments. While this is an extraordinarily difficult time for affected employees and their families, SLOCEA remains committed to standing by our members…
The Collective Bargaining Cycle Has Begun!
The contracts or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the County bargaining units that SLOCEA represents expire on June 30, 2025. On Monday, April 21, SLOCEA’s Negotiating Team participated with the County’s team in negotiations session #1 for successor agreements (MOUs)…
Pension Promises are Stronger Than the Headlines
If you read the recent San Luis Obispo Tribune or Cal Coast News article about SLOCPT’s “$1 billion debt,” you might’ve felt a jolt of concern, especially if you’re nearing retirement. But as with many things related to pensions and public finance, context matters…
Public Service Spotlight: Kitti Van Dahlen
Public Service Spotlight is a monthly series featuring SLOCEA members who have reached milestone anniversaries in their careers! Join us this month in celebrating Kitti Van Dahlen’s 27 years of service!
Prioritizing Your Mental Health Amid Uncertain Times
When the future seems unclear, daily challenges can take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. As we recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s a powerful reminder to pause, reflect, and prioritize our mental health…
Survey Results & Bargaining News
SLOCEA recently conducted Negotiation Surveys for both the Big Unit and the Trades, Crafts, and Services Unit, gathering critical feedback from members on their priorities for the upcoming contract negotiations. The results reveal a strong consensus on…
WE HEAR YOU! Healthcare Benefits: Advocating for Fair Coverage
During our recent pre-negotiations survey, an overwhelming number of SLOCEA members expressed significant concerns regarding the health benefits for SLO County employees, particularly regarding affordability and coverage…