Read the SLOCEA blog for news and updates on what’s happening with your local, independent labor union.
Civil Service Rules Change Progress
Every few years, County Human Resources and the Civil Service Commissioners (CSC) request to meet and confer with all the County’s recognized employee associations (unions) to review the CSC rules for changes. This last occurred in 2021, with the various parties making different proposals for rule changes. On November 3, 2021, SLOCEA proposed a change ….
Kristin Smart Case - SLOCEA Members Involvement
The Kristin Smart case has shaken SLO County for two and a half decades. But on March 10, 2023, the Smart family finally got the conviction they had been waiting on all these years. The “It takes a village!” proverb couldn’t ring any truer when it comes to this case. Thanks to many experts, county officials, law enforcement, reporters, and the unwavering commitment of community members, Kristin’s murderer, Paul Flores, will now be confined behind bars for the next 25 years.
SLO County Supervisors Get a 26% Pay Raise
The base salary for an elected member of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors will soon be going up. At the Board’s May 16, 2023, meeting, the Board of Supervisors 3 to 2 in favor of raising their pay.
Biometric Health Screenings
The County is excited to resume Biometric Health Screenings! New for 2023, the County is offering a $50 digital gift card incentive to the first 500 employees who participate in these screenings.
Two More Stewards Appointed!
We are so pleased to announce that at the May 17 SLOCEA Board of Directors meeting, two new Stewards were appointed to the Steward Committee.
Welcoming SLOCEA’s New President
SLOCEA would like to reintroduce you to Emily Landis, the newly appointed President of the Association. We have no doubt that Emily will do a remarkable job in filling this position. We have already seen her outgoing, upbeat, and can-do attitude since she assumed the Presidency in March.
Californians Approve of President & Governor, but Worry about the Future
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) completed its most recent Californians and Their Government Survey at the beginning of the year. PPIC polled the opinions of 1,539 adults in California – 1,050 of them being likely voters --- and the survey has a margin of error of only 3.5%.
Welcome to our New Stewards!
At the April 2023 Board of Directors (BOD) meeting, three new Stewards were appointed! This is great news since our Steward numbers have been reduced due to retirements and promotions. Let me introduce our three new stewards…
2023 Summer Childcare Reimbursement Program
As we approach the summer months, many parents across SLO County are starting to think about the childcare challenges that come with the season. With school out of session and the need to balance work and family life, it can be a stressful time for working parents. However, we have good news for you; SLOCEA is delighted to once again participate in the County’s Summer Childcare Reimbursement Program!
Emily Landis Assumes the Presidency
In accordance with SLOCEA Bylaws, Article IV, Section 2B, Vice President Emily Landis has assumed the SLOCEA presidency, effective the date of the vacancy (March 18, 2023).
The 2023 Economy: Are We in a Recession?
Normally in this column we write about topics specific to the Pension Trust and your Retirement Plan. But some of the interesting things we get to see while managing the $1.6 billion in investments for the SLOCPT are the economic commentaries from a lot of great sources. We thought we might share a few snippets of what we have been seeing lately…
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women and their achievements--focusing on improving women’s lives and increasing gender equality between men and women.
What is Going on with Union Membership in America?
In January the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its annual report on union membership in the country. The data in the report for 2022, contained good and bad news for organized labor in America. The positive news for labor was that since 2021, the number of wage and salary employees who were members of unions increased 1.9%.
What is a Grievance?
A grievance is a formalized, written complaint lodged by an employee against their employer if the employee has been negatively affected and has not had success at informally remedying the problem or issue.
Welcoming a New Steward!
Join us in welcoming our newest steward, Chelsea Hendron of the Assessor’s Office. At SLOCEA’s February 15th Board of Director’s meeting, Chelsea was appointed to the Steward Committee.
Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) - Tier 1 Members
Many of you have heard about the Deferred Retirement Option Program, or “DROP” feature of the retirement Plan. The DROP is available only to Tier 1 Members of the Plan. If you are a Tier 2 or 3 member you probably want to move on to some other article at this point.
Let’s Talk About Tax Savings Accounts
Whether you are new to tax savings accounts or if you renewed your account, you should take a moment to review some important reminders!
Seeking New Stewards
Are you seeking a deeper understanding of your MOU and the negotiations process? Are you looking for a way to get involved? Do you want to learn more about your union? If so, we are looking for SLOCEA members that want to become engaged with the union by serving as Stewards.
Are Democracy’s Days Numbered?
Many, many voices in the press, politics, and social media have been lamenting the decline and pending death of democracy in recent years.
The Importance of Independence
In June 1985, SLOCEA found itself in a perilous situation; membership in the organization had been trending downward, finances were tight, and tensions with local unions over disputed territory were high. Weighing their limited options and wary of potential bargaining unit “raids” from other unions, the Association’s leaders decided it was in SLOCEA’s best interest to partner with a more powerful international ‘parent’ union.