Read the SLOCEA blog for news and updates on what’s happening with your local, independent labor union.
SLOCEA Welcomes Four New Stewards
SLOCEA is pleased to introduce four newly appointed Stewards who have stepped forward to strengthen representation, enhance communication, and support employees across multiple departments. Each brings valuable experience, professionalism, and dedication to their new role, and are excited to join SLOCEA’s Steward Committee…
Tentative Agreement Ratified
We are pleased to announce that members of both the Big Unit and Trades Unit have voted to ratify the Tentative Agreement (TA) with the County of San Luis Obispo. This agreement reflects months of negotiations and member engagement…
Getting to Know the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures
If you’ve ever wondered who makes sure that your pound of lunch meat from the deli counter actually weighs a pound, or that the gas pump is giving you every drop you pay for, you can thank the Department of Agriculture / Weights and Measures…
When Washington Shuts Down, California Steps Up
When it comes to protecting workers’ rights to organize, bargain collectively, or challenge unfair treatment, California has just taken a big step forward. In September, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 288 (AB 288) into law, giving the state a new tool…
Tentative Agreement Reached - What Comes Next?
We are pleased to announce that after months of dedicated bargaining, your SLOCEA Negotiating Team has reached a tentative agreement (TA) with the County of San Luis Obispo. This marks a critical step forward…
Why We Need More Stewards in the Workplace
As SLOCEA’s Senior Labor Representative, I serve as the staff liaison over the Steward Committee, a very important committee of members that plays a vital role in the union. Stewards are the bridge between members and SLOCEA staff, and they are essential in keeping SLOCEA strong, visible, and effective in departments and workplaces throughout the County…
Introducing Our Newest Labor Rep!
SLOCEA is proud to welcome Carrie McGrath to our staff team. Many of our members already know Carrie from her time on the SLOCEA Board of Directors, where she was recognized for her inquisitive nature, thoughtful questions, and commitment to making informed decisions. Now, Carrie is bringing that same dedication and energy into her new role…
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…