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United Public Employees warn county of strike amid bargaining impasse
Summary
A United Public Employees representative said bargaining is at impasse for two county units and warned the board members that members have authorized a strike if a livable-wage settlement is not reached.
Ted Samara, executive director of United Public Employees (UPE), told the Board during the public-comment period that the UP 8 bargaining unit is at impasse and that members are considering strike authorization if the county does not reach an agreement they consider livable.
Samara said his union represents roughly 3,500 county employees and that many members in the Office Technical bargaining unit earn between $45,000 and $80,000 a year and have fallen behind the cost of living. "If you continue with the 2.8 on the table, we will strike you," Samara told supervisors, referring to a 2.8% offer the county discussed with other units.
Samara criticized pay packages for senior county executives and said some union members were forced to apply for public assistance. "These are your employees," he said, urging supervisors to consider pay equity and livable wages as they make budget decisions.
The board did not take action on the comment; public comment concluded before the agenda moved on.
