SEIU 1021 members rallied on the steps of Fairfield City Hall Wednesday, June 18, to demand a fair contract, respect on the job, and a responsible city budget that invests in public services—and in the people who provide them.

The rally brought out workers from across city departments—public works, dispatch, code enforcement, administrative support, and more—who marched, chanted, and stood united to call for an end to stalling at the bargaining table and a real commitment to the people who keep Fairfield running.

They were joined by Solano County Supervisors Wanda Williams and Cassandra James, who both showed up in solidarity and spoke in support of the workers’ fight for a fair deal.

“This isn’t about politics—it’s about public service and public safety,” said Darin Eltringham, SEIU 1021 chapter president and code enforcement officer for the City of Fairfield. “We’ve proposed a path forward rooted in real numbers. The City has the means to invest in its workforce and maintain the services our community depends on.”

Workers also presented findings from an independent financial analysis conducted by Harvey M. Rose Associates, LLC, which revealed that the City’s financial outlook is far stronger than officials have claimed. The report found:

• The City holds $17.3 million in unassigned surplus funds, with a total unrestricted fund balance equaling 35% of annual expenditures, more than twice the minimum best-practice threshold.
• Over the past five years, revenues have come in 5% higher than budgeted, while expenditures have remained 1% below budget, showing a pattern of conservative estimates that masks available resources.
• New revenue from Measure L (Business License Modernization) and Measure M (Hotel Occupancy Tax) is generating $1.1 million this year, with projected increases to $1.5 million annually in FY 2026 and FY 2027.

“The workers of Fairfield deserve better,” said Supervisor Cassandra James. “They’ve shown up every day to keep this city running. They deserve to feel safe, respected, and fairly compensated—not threatened or dismissed.”

With vacancies in key departments, rising costs of living, and growing public needs, workers are calling on the City to come to the table in good faith—and to invest in the workforce that makes everything else possible.

As the workers made clear today: “Fairfield works because we do!”