Workers from several unions representing Solano County employees staged an informational picket on Monday, expressing their demand for fair contract negotiations. The event, which took place during the lunch hour outside the Solano County Health and Human Services Building in Fairfield, attracted over 100 participants wearing blue, green, and purple shirts. With contracts set to expire on December 1, 2023, the unions are gearing up for a potential strike unless their concerns are addressed.
Union leaders, including Michael Kitzes, President of IFPTE Local 21, criticized the county for not negotiating in good faith. Kitzes highlighted that the county has proposed salary increases of just two, one, and zero percent over the next three years, totaling a mere three percent. In contrast, neighboring counties have offered increases of up to seven percent for similar timeframes. He cautioned that if an agreement is not reached soon, county workers may face increased healthcare premiums.
“They think that they can leverage us with healthcare,” Kitzes stated, acknowledging the county’s budgetary concerns. He argued that county employees and the vulnerable populations they serve should not bear the burden of fiscal cuts.
Kitzes also pointed out that the Solano County Board of Supervisors recently approved an 18 percent salary increase for themselves, raising concerns among workers about fairness. “We have to live too,” he remarked, emphasizing the detrimental impact a strike would have on both employees and the community.
Chung Park, a representative from IUOE – Stationary Engineers Local 39, noted that this was the second coalition rally organized by the unions to advocate for better contracts and to oppose cuts affecting various county services. He stressed that workers are not asking for excessive demands, but merely seeking to maintain their livelihoods amidst rising inflation.
Stan Eichenberger, another union member, expressed that the ongoing contract negotiations have severely impacted employee morale. He characterized the county’s approach as dismissive, stating, “They don’t care to reach an agreement on time.” Eichenberger conveyed that many workers are leaving for better opportunities elsewhere, driven by concerns related to pay and overall morale.
“We need to ensure that these people, the members, are able to work, live, and play in the county,” he stated, highlighting the importance of fair compensation.
Lauren Biehle, a project manager in Solano County’s Health and Social Services Department and an IFPTE member, echoed the sentiment for reasonable cost-of-living adjustments and equitable benefits. “We are just looking for what is fair and to help us live in the community we serve,” she said.
Biehle expressed frustration at the contrast between recent compensation increases for the Board of Supervisors and the struggles faced by frontline workers. “It’s frankly insulting,” she added, emphasizing that many employees are motivated by a desire to serve the community rather than financial gain.
While acknowledging the economic challenges of striking, Biehle noted that the county’s budget presentations have remained unchanged for a decade. “As my farmer grandpa says, ‘that dog won’t hunt,’” she remarked, indicating that workers are determined to advocate for their rights.
The unions are poised to continue their advocacy efforts in the lead-up to the contract expiration, with the possibility of a strike looming if negotiations do not progress satisfactorily. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for both county employees and the services provided to the community.
