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County employees and unions urge larger raises; speakers call 2.5% proposal insufficient
Summary
Multiple public commenters and a labor business agent urged the Board of Supervisors to raise county employee wages well above the proposed 2.5–3% increase, citing rising costs of living and localized hardships after layoffs and plant closures.
Several county employees, union representatives and residents used the public-comment period on June 10 to urge the Board of Supervisors to grant larger pay increases than the 2.5–3% cost-of-living adjustment the county proposed.
Carla Flores, identified as the long-term care ombudsman coordinator for Imperial County's Area Agency on Aging, told the board the 2.5% raise is "insulting" and does not reflect rising prices for essentials like food, rent and gas. Flores said many county employees work multiple roles and are forced to take second jobs to make ends meet.
Ruth Duarte, who identified herself as a business agent for "Tinsley's local 542 representing craft labor and trades," read a letter from more than 1,000 employees and called for a pay increase of no less than 20% (10% per year over two years). Duarte cited multiple cost increases and said county management-level raises earlier in the year had widened perceived wage disparities; she named a recent compensation increase for the clerk of the board and an assistant's pay increase as examples addressed in her remarks.
Other public commenters voiced related concerns: Tony Ramos, a former county probation employee, voiced support for Teamsters and for workforce raises; Patricia Carrillo, a county retiree and resident of Brawley, criticized recent employee separations and said taxpayers deserve accountability.
Ending: Board members acknowledged the economic pressure on county workers; several supervisors said they would press for solutions during upcoming budget and labor negotiations. Workforce and county staff said they are coordinating outreach and rapid-response services for impacted workers in areas such as Spreckels-related layoffs and business closures.
