Social services staff, unions press board for larger raises and better labor standards

Employees and union representatives addressed the Board of Supervisors on Aug. 19 to press for larger salary increases and stronger labor standards in county contracting.

Ortensia Castro, who identified herself as a social‑services worker for Imperial County, said staff are asking the board to approve either 3% or 5% raises that had been under discussion. She said an entry‑level office assistant would see approximately $0.60 per hour from a 3% increase and about $0.80 per hour from a 5% increase, equating to roughly $70 versus $115 more per month. Castro said small differences in pay affect employees’ ability to afford gasoline and groceries and argued low step‑progression pacing contributes to turnover.

Ruth Duarte, business agent for Local 542, raised safety and staffing concerns in Behavioral Health offices, saying some members reported having to perform security‑type duties after security positions were removed. She said she had raised the matter with management and would discuss it further in a scheduled meeting.

Renee Felix, community organizer with the Imperial County Building Trades, argued that proposed labor standards in a county Good Neighbor program (referred to by the speaker as a “Good Neighbor Grama”) fall short of supporting the local workforce and called for the county to work with unions to strengthen standards.

Speakers said retention suffers when pay steps and progression stall and urged supervisors to consider phased increases or changes to step schedules to help retain staff. The board did not take formal action during the public‑comment period; these items were raised during public comment and departmental announcements.