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City workers urge council to negotiate fair contracts during public comment
Summary
Dozens of City of Orange employees used the public‑comment period to press the council for a “fair contract,” citing low wages, staffing losses, and safety concerns that they said threaten city services and retention.
Dozens of City of Orange employees and labor supporters addressed the City Council during the public-comment period on March 10, pressing elected officials to negotiate what they described as a fair contract to shore up pay and stop an exodus of experienced staff.
Mayor Dan Slater opened the public-comment period and invited speakers to address the council. Greg Aerosmith began with a broader call for rehabilitation and reentry programs, but the session soon focused on municipal employees. Kyle Peterson, who identified himself as a City of Orange water meter service worker, told the council the cost of living has risen and “we need a fair contract” to retain staff and support families. Julian Bernal, a 10‑year city employee, said he and his colleagues want to return to work under terms that allow them to stay in Orange.
“I want to be able to make my career here,” Peterson said, asking the council to keep wages competitive so employees will not leave for higher pay elsewhere. Several other workers representing IBEW and park, water and public works units described dangerous or demanding work and argued that pay does not reflect the risks and responsibilities.
Boyd Schultz, a 34‑year water worker, told the council that water workers respond to wildfires and other emergencies and deserved recognition and compensation on par with other first responders. Pete Ortiz, a water department employee of 21 years, asked the council to remember the sacrifices staff made during furloughs and wage freezes.
Council members thanked speakers and said they heard the concerns. No formal action was taken during the meeting other than accepting public comment; council members noted the contract negotiations and budget work as matters they will consider in coming meetings. The council’s next steps on labor negotiations were not specified in the session record.
Ending: The public-comment period concluded after 17 speakers, and the council moved on to the consent calendar and scheduled follow-ups for several agenda items.
