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Teamsters representative urges board to approve fair contract after members rejected prior offer
Summary
A Teamsters Local 542 representative told the board members rejected a contract by 92% and urged supervisors to adopt a counteroffer to avoid a strike, saying many county employees cannot meet rising costs of living.
Ruth Duarte, representing Teamsters Local 542 employees of the county, addressed the Board of Supervisors during public comment on July 1 and urged supervisors to adopt the union's counterproposal in negotiations.
Duarte said the membership voted and rejected the prior contract by 92 percent and described the union's counterproposal as "not just a set of numbers" but a request for wages that allow employees to live with dignity. "Many of your employees qualify for public assistance despite working full time jobs. That is unjust and unsustainable," she said, and asked supervisors to act to avoid a strike and to show the county values its workforce.
Duarte thanked county HR staff for negotiating and said the union's proposal reflects what she called the minimum needed for employees. She asked the board to invest in county employees and to negotiate in good faith.
