Read the SLOCEA blog for news and updates on what’s happening with your local, independent labor union.
St. Patrick’s Day: A Celebration with a Labor History
Every March, St. Patrick’s Day arrives wrapped in green with music, festivities, and festive beverages. It is a day associated with community and Irish heritage. But in the United States, St. Patrick’s Day also carries a quieter piece of history, one closely tied to workers, labor organizing, and solidarity…
Remembering Rev. Jesse L. Jackson’s Impact on Workers and the Labor Movement
While Rev. Jackson is widely recognized for his central role in the civil rights movement and his historic presidential campaigns, a crucial part of his legacy, and one deeply relevant to all unions, is his steadfast support for workers’ rights, economic justice, and the intersection of civil and labor rights…
You Belong Here: Getting Involved is Easier Thank You Think
When people hear “union involvement,” it can sound intimidating, like you need to know all the rules, have endless free time, or already be deeply involved before you even raise your hand. That’s not how it works at SLOCEA…
Department Highlight: County Library
What Carrie and I anticipated would be a straightforward conversation with Chelsea Cutler, a Library Associate at the SLO branch of the San Luis Obispo County Library, quickly turned into a guided tour that reshaped how we see the library…
Representation Doesn’t Pause Between Contracts
With agreements in effect for the majority of represented units, the focus shifts away from negotiations and toward ensuring those contracts are understood, respected, and applied consistently in the workplace. While bargaining often receives the most attention, much of the union’s work takes place between contracts. This is the period when contractual rights are put into practice and when representation shows up in day-to-day ways that directly affect members’ working lives…
Department Highlight: Inside the Public Health Lab
When Carrie and I began planning this month’s feature, our goal was to introduce readers to the Department of Public Health and the many ways it supports our community. It quickly became clear that the department’s reach is far too broad to capture in a single article. Much of its work happens quietly, behind the scenes, touching nearly every corner of the County. So we decided to start with one essential role: the Public Health Microbiologist…
New in 2026: SLOCEA Partners with AMBA to Expand Member Benefits
Starting in 2026, SLOCEA is partnering with AMBA (Association Member Benefits Advisors) to bring our members new optional supplemental insurance offerings and an expanded set of discount and savings programs—all designed to support you and your family beyond the workplace…
A Year of Transition and Progress at SLOCEA
As 2025 comes to a close, it’s important to reflect on the path we’ve traveled together this year. For our members, for our staff, and for the Association as a whole, this has been a year marked by major change, hard-earned wins, and continued dedication to the mission that has guided SLOCEA for nearly eighty years…
Veterans Services Office: From Serving Our Country to Serving San Luis Obispo County
For many veterans—and the dependents and survivors who stand beside them—navigating the maze of veteran benefits can feel daunting. That’s where the San Luis Obispo County Veterans Services Office (VSO) steps in. As a dedicated local resource, the VSO exists to make accessing benefits clearer, easier, and more personal…
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…