Efren Alarcon, a business agent for Teamsters Local 853, told the Napa County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 25 that roughly 260–270 workers at the Westlake facility in American Canyon voted for union representation on July 11, 2024, and have been on strike since July 24 after bargaining over wages and medical benefits stalled.

Alarcon said workers voted 178–102 in favor of representation and accused the company of bargaining in bad faith. "They haven't moved an inch," he said, and asked county supervisors to use their influence to urge Westlake to allow a union medical plan option and to negotiate a fair contract.

At least a dozen employees and union representatives spoke during the public comment period. Westlake employees including Eduardo Guillen, who said he has worked at the facility for 22 years, and Jorge Negrete, who said he has worked there nearly 13 years, described health insurance with high deductibles and limited choice as a primary grievance. "Our health and safety and well-being are fundamental, not optional sacrifices," one worker said.

Juan (identified in the transcript as Juan Jose Aguilera Adame) told supervisors that the company offered a 1% wage increase, which he called "an insult," and said workers would only return under a contract that guarantees comprehensive benefits and fair compensation.

Labor leaders speaking in solidarity included a representative from the Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 and Alejandro Negrete of Teamsters Joint Council 7, who said the Texas-based company has not negotiated in good faith. Jerry Curiel, speaking as a family member of a striking worker, said roughly 147 employees were on strike and urged elected officials to intervene.

The board received requests for support but took no formal action on the dispute during the meeting. Earlier on the agenda, the board approved one consent calendar item (3a) by unanimous vote; Supervisor Ramos made the motion and a second was recorded for Supervisor "Alessio." The board then recessed into closed session under item 6a (public employee performance evaluation regarding the chief executive officer) and, upon return, was told there was no reportable action.

The public comment portion of the meeting emphasized three recurring worker demands: affordable, practical health insurance; fair wage increases; and respectful workplace treatment. Speakers said bargaining concluded in June 2025, a final company offer was rejected by rank-and-file members, and negotiations scheduled for mid-December or mid-January had not yet produced an agreement.

The board thanked speakers and adjourned; the next regularly scheduled meeting is Dec. 9, 2025.