What Is CEMA?

CEMA is an association of managers, administrators and supervisors employed by Santa Clara County and the Santa Clara County Superior Court. CEMA is fully affiliated with Operating Engineers Local 3.

In early 1974, CEMA incorporated as a 501 C-4 non profit organization with the purpose of representing County employees considered “Management” in their terms and conditions of employment with Santa Clara County. The Board of Supervisors recognized CEMA as the exclusive bargaining representative for the Supervisory/Administrative Bargaining Unit after CEMA won a representation election conducted by the State Mediation and Conciliation Service.

In May of 1977, members voted by secret ballot to affiliate with Operating Engineers Local Union #3 (OE3). The vote addressed two issues: First, should CEMA remain independent or affiliate with an AFL-CIO organization? Second, if CEMA was to affiliate, should they affiliate with the Teamsters or OE3.

CEMA was the first management union in the state to link up with an AFL-CIO affiliate. One of the reasons CEMA affiliated with Local 3 was the “unique” affiliation agreement that allowed CEMA the autonomy to steer its own course as a management union.

CEMA and the OE3 have forged a unique relationship over the years that has provided the CEMA membership with professional labor relations representation and strong contract settlements. CEMA’s unique partnership with the County regarding Professional Development has its roots with OE3’s award winning Apprenticeship program.

In 2004 the members of CEMA became full members of the AFL-CIO and full members of OE3. The new affiliation agreement provided for two full time Business Representatives and for more resources for CEMA to effectively represent its membership.

More recently the CEMA Executive Board made the decision to change direction to meet the challenges of the changing environment for middle managers in the County.  Facing layoffs, attacks on pension, wages and benefits, staffing cuts, longer hours, larger workloads and lack of support for holding staff accountable, the CEMA Board directed staff to take a more assertive and visible role with County management,  the Board of Supervisors and most importantly with the membership.  Monthly site meetings engage members around the County in debate and discussion about way to improve our effectiveness and working condition s as County employees.  The Executive Board shapes policies and initiatives based on this vital link to the members and continuously moves toward a member driven agenda and organization.