Attorneys demand fair pay amid contract negotiation crisis

During a recent Sacramento County Board meeting, attorneys from the public defender's office and the district attorney's office voiced their frustrations over ongoing contract negotiations and compensation issues. The discussions highlighted claims of unfair practices by the county, particularly regarding delays in addressing salary adjustments and the lack of good faith in negotiations.

Union representatives emphasized that a neutral fact-finding report, which found in their favor, has been disregarded by county labor officials. They argued that the county's failure to respond to negotiation requests in a timely manner has exacerbated the situation, leading to a significant backlog in addressing salary equity. The report indicated that the county had acted in bad faith by presenting inadequate salary offers before conducting a comprehensive salary survey.

Attorneys expressed concerns about the high turnover rates within their offices, attributing this to non-competitive salaries and poor work-life balance. Many noted that the current compensation structure is insufficient to attract and retain qualified legal professionals, particularly in light of rising living costs in Sacramento. They pointed out that many experienced attorneys are leaving for positions in neighboring counties where pay and workload conditions are more favorable.

The meeting also featured calls for the board to intervene and impose fair compensation based on the findings of the fact-finding report. Attorneys argued that failing to act would set a dangerous precedent, allowing labor to ignore established processes and undermine the integrity of negotiations.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing tension between county officials and legal staff, with attorneys urging the board to prioritize fair compensation and address the systemic issues affecting their ability to serve the community effectively.