Thursday, November 6, members of SEIU 1021, IFPTE 21, and IUOE 39 working for Solano County held an informational picket outside the Solano County Health & Social Services building. They alerted the public that because of Solano County’s irresponsible, bad-faith bargaining, a recruitment and retention crisis now endangers the public.

Solano County’s recruitment and retention crisis is pervasive throughout the health and social services department:

• Employees are doing the jobs of multiple people.
• At the Benefits Action Center (the call center), callers needing benefits are regularly waiting up to 3 hours to talk with an employee.
• Even when Solano County’s most vulnerable folks do receive an appointment, there are longer and longer waits to receive Medi-Cal and SNAP benefits. These delays can be life-or-death and mean the difference between housing and eviction, food and hunger, particularly for Solano’s children.

Juan Aveytia, an office assistant at Solano County HSS and SEIU 1021 member, said, “If you’re hungry today, you can’t wait until tomorrow or the next day for food. That’s just reality. Cases aren’t being processed quickly right now because of staffing.”

Desirea English, a social services supervisor and IFPTE 21 member, said, “The Solano County administration needs to see that there is an opportunity here to invest in the workforce that provides vital county services. It’s time to take every means – including a strike if necessary – to keep our public services and healthcare intact.”

Gabriel Gonzales, a custodian and IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 member, said, “Whether it’s Solano County HSS, our buildings, or parks and roadways, county employees serve to make a difference everyday. The County needs to invest in us so that we may continue to serve the residents.”