SEIU 1021 members working for the City of Fairfield took to the streets at lunchtime last Wednesday, August 13, to make their fight for a fair contract more visible to the community and to build solidarity across Fairfield.

Dozens of workers lined the sidewalks near the Solano County Building, holding signs that called on passing cars to “Honk for City Workers” — and the community responded with a chorus of supportive horns. Workers also fanned out into nearby businesses to ask shop owners to display posters in their windows reading, “We Stand With City of Fairfield Workers.”

City workers have been without a contract for nearly two months, and management continues to insist on takeaways, including zero wage increases, higher health care costs, and cuts to leave and holidays. Workers say these demands are unacceptable and risk hurting Fairfield’s ability to provide reliable services.

Sean Dodini, a senior utility worker with 24 years of service, said the fight is about dignity, respect, and keeping Fairfield’s services strong:

“All we’re asking for is a little respect. If the city won’t take care of its employees, they won’t attract the talent needed to keep services running — clean drinking water, safe streets, working sewers, and pothole repairs all depend on us. When you shortchange the workers, you shortchange the community.”

Union members say today’s action was one step in a larger campaign to build visibility, community support, and pressure on city leadership to return to the bargaining table in good faith.

Check them out in the Daily Republic here!