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Kern County employees press board for raises, warn of staffing shortages and potential strike
Summary
More than a dozen county employees and SEIU representatives told the board of widespread understaffing, low pay and heavy caseloads across multiple departments and said bargaining teams may prepare for a strike if the board does not negotiate higher wages and retention measures.
Dozens of Kern County employees and union representatives used public comment on April 8 to urge the Board of Supervisors to increase wages and staffing levels, and several said their bargaining teams are prepared to call a strike if talks do not resolve outstanding pay and retention issues.
Victor Portillo, a program support supervisor with Employers Training Resource, told the board he and coworkers are “strike ready” if the county does not negotiate higher wages and better retention measures. Portillo said public-facing county agencies face staffing shortages that force remaining employees to cover additional duties and that bilingual premium pay has not…
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