More than 20 county employees and union representatives pressed the Solano County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 28 to negotiate stronger contracts, warning that proposed pay offers and higher health-care premiums would leave many workers worse off.

At the start of a prolonged public-comment period, Katrina Dodson, a county employee and union member, said the county negotiator had failed to “meet fairly with our union representation to secure a contract that reflects the value of their work,” adding that employees were being asked to “wait, to sacrifice, and to be patient” while top officials received pay increases.

"We are not asking for anything excessive. We are asking for fairness," Dodson said.

Other speakers detailed specific workplace and pay concerns. Gabriel Gonzales, a 23‑year county worker and member of Local 39, said a proposed three‑year raise that would yield just a $0.40 per hour increase for some classifications was “totally unacceptable.” Daniel Womack, a negotiator for Local 39, framed the claim as a retention issue: “A fair raise isn’t just an expense. It’s an investment in the people who make this county function.”

Several speakers said rising premiums for family coverage would effectively reduce take‑home pay. Christina Bradley, an animal control officer and SEIU member, urged the board to increase county contributions to offset rising health-care costs, saying, “The burden of medical premiums is impacting our employees, especially those in the family-plus-two tier.”

Physician assistant Joseph Monnecke told the board that Solano County PAs are paid less than regional counterparts and asked for annual cost‑of‑living adjustments that would keep wages competitive with neighboring counties.

Multiple speakers called out a 2022 pay increase for board members that has left employees feeling undervalued. Linda Cheeseman, a bargaining-team representative, said that while the board voted itself an 18% front‑loaded increase in 2022, rank‑and‑file staff were still being asked to accept smaller raises.

Union organizers from SEIU and local labor councils urged supervisors to intervene. Emma Gerald, field director for SEIU 1021, called the county’s use of rising health-care costs as a bargaining lever “highly unethical” and asked the supervisors to “protect your employees’ health care.”

Board members did not take immediate action on contracts at the meeting. Chair Mitch Mashburn acknowledged the comments and encouraged continued engagement, while supervisors and county staff noted that bargaining remained ongoing.

For now, the county’s negotiator and union bargaining teams will continue talks. Several union speakers said they planned further mobilization and public outreach if agreements are not reached.

Ending: Union representatives said they hope supervisors will push negotiators toward a contract that protects wages and healthcare while county staff said they will continue to bargain and return with updates to the board.