Not in a Bargaining Unit? You Still Have a Place at SLOCEA
Not every County employee is part of a bargaining unit—but that doesn’t mean you have to navigate your workplace alone.
SLOCEA offers Associate Membership for unrepresented employees who want access to support, resources, and a stronger connection to their workplace community. If you’re not currently represented by a union or association, this option was built with you in mind.
Why Employees Are Choosing to Join
Associate Membership isn’t symbolic, it’s practical.
It’s about having a place to turn when questions come up, when something doesn’t feel right at work, or when you want to better understand your rights and options. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Real Support When You Need It
Associate Members have access to confidential labor relations guidance and support. Whether you’re dealing with a workplace issue, navigating a difficult conversation, or just need clarity, you’re not on your own. That can include help understanding workplace policies, preparing for meetings with management, or talking through options before taking next steps.
Access to Programs and Financial Support
Associate Members are eligible for SLOCEA’s member programs, which may include assistance during times of personal hardship, scholarship opportunities, and other financial support programs designed to invest back into members and their families.
Supplemental Insurance and Financial Protection Options
Through SLOCEA’s partnership with AMBA, Associate Members have access to a range of voluntary supplemental insurance plans—such as life, long-term care, hospital indemnity, and other coverage options. These plans can help fill gaps and provide additional financial security for you and your family.
Member Discounts and Everyday Savings
Associate Members also have access to a member discount platform offering savings on travel, entertainment, shopping, and more. It’s a simple way to stretch your dollars further and see tangible day-to-day value from membership.
Professional Guidance and Advocacy Insight
Even outside of formal bargaining, there is real value in having access to experienced labor professionals who understand public sector workplaces. Associate Members gain insight into how workplace issues are typically handled, what standards apply, and how to advocate effectively for themselves.
Connection to a Larger Community
SLOCEA is a network of public employees across departments and classifications. Associate Members are part of that network—invited to events, site visits, and conversations that impact the workplace. That connection creates opportunities to learn, share experiences, and build relationships across the organization.
Staying Informed
Members receive regular updates on workplace trends, policy changes, and issues affecting County employees—so you’re not left guessing about what’s happening around you or how decisions may impact your role.
A Membership Model Designed to Be Fair
Associate Members are part of the same dues structure used across SLOCEA, designed with equity in mind.
Dues are 1% of biweekly earnings, with a maximum cap of $90 per month. That means contributions scale with income, ensuring that membership remains accessible while maintaining the strength of the organization.
It’s a structure built on the idea that everyone contributes fairly, and everyone benefits from a stronger, more connected membership.
What Associate Membership Is and Isn’t
Transparency matters, especially when it comes to representation.
Associate Members are not part of a SLOCEA-represented bargaining unit. That means:
SLOCEA does not negotiate contracts on your behalf
You are not covered under a SLOCEA MOU
You do not vote on bargaining agreements or strike actions
This structure reflects California’s public sector labor framework under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act. But outside of formal bargaining, there is still meaningful value, and that’s where Associate Membership comes in.
This membership was previously referred to as “Unrepresented Membership,” which often caused confusion. The name Associate Membership better reflects what it actually is: a way to access support, resources, and connection, without needing to be in a bargaining unit.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve ever wished you had someone to call with a workplace question, a place to get clear information, or a stronger connection to others doing the same work—this is your opportunity to change that. Joining is simple, and it only takes a few minutes.
Complete a membership form online and submit it to the SLOCEA office. We will pass it on to the County to set up your dues deduction and ensure your profile is updated in our system. That’s all you need to start accessing the full range of benefits available to Associate Members!
If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible or want to learn more, reach out to the SLOCEA office, we’re happy to walk you through it.
Don’t wait until you need support to wish you had it. Join now and have it when it matters.
Emily Landis
Executive Director