Thursday, November 13, 500 members of SEIU 1021, IFPTE Local 21, and IUOE Local 39 working for Solano County attended Strike School. Organization around Strike School comes after months of stalled negotiations between Solano County employees and the County Administration. Workers have held several pickets and rallies to shed light on the unprecedented attacks on public services. Despite County workers addressing Supervisors to demand solutions, and sharing data and personal testimony about their strained working conditions and dated benefits on multiple occasions, there has been limited movement. Workers are forced to do more with less across all county departments.

“Our members provide critical services to the residents of Solano County, whether it’s supporting neglected children, making sure all families have good food on the table, or enrolling people on Medi-Cal,” said Layla Gray, an IFPTE 21 member who works as a Mental Health Clinical Supervisor for Solano County. “A fair contract helps maintain the staff we need to deliver these services. That’s why we’re preparing to strike if we have to.”

“As Solano County workers, we demand that County management show that they value workers’ contributions to this community’s well-being, safety, and future by fairly settling contracts,” said Jeffrey Eichenberger, IUOE Local 39 bargaining team member and Stationary Engineer in Solano County.

“We are hemorrhaging staff to Contra Costa, Marin, and other comparable agencies,” said Tazamisha Alexander, an SEIU 1021 member who works as an Eligibility Benefits Specialist with Solano County. “When we can’t recruit and retain staff here in Solano, that directly impacts public services for our community. Solano County must bargain in good faith with us.”