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Supervisors approve multiple labor tentative agreements as unions warn of staffing shortfalls
Summary
The board unanimously approved tentative agreements with several bargaining units covering wage increases, bilingual pay and recruitment stipends. Union representatives used public comment to press for retroactive compensation and to highlight attrition across public‑safety and legal offices and IHSS workers pressed for higher wages.
The Solano County Board of Supervisors on March 24 approved a set of tentative memoranda of understanding with multiple bargaining units, and several union speakers used public comment to press the board about staffing and compensation shortfalls.
What the board approved: Staff described tentative agreements for SEIU units and other represented groups covering base‑wage increases, enhanced tier bilingual differentials, recruitment and retention stipends, and certain side letters including administrative leave for some classifications. Assistant Director of Human Resources David Pac asked the board to delegate authority to finalize technical edits; the board approved the items by unanimous vote.
Union concerns at the microphone: Jennifer Larivier (union speaker) told the board that delays in the bargaining process had produced financial harm for working families—citing withheld healthcare premium contributions that affected 309 families—and appealed for sustained investment to prevent understaffing of critical services such as sheriff’s dispatch. Michael Kits, a long‑time county mental‑health manager, said his bargaining unit had settled under pressure and objected to a “Me‑Too” clause that allowed later‑settling units to receive benefits negotiated earlier, arguing it unfairly rewarded those who settled first while leaving others uncompensated for interim losses.
Related workforce testimony: Several public commenters described acute staffing problems. Deputy public defender Nick Faloy said his office’s average misdemeanor attorney is 27 years old and that the office is losing experienced attorneys to neighboring counties. Deputy district attorney Renee Hos said Solano is 14% behind Bay Area peers on pay and that homicide caseloads here impose substantial time demands, increasing reliance on unpaid overtime and private‑bar appointments. SEIU‑affiliated IHSS workers and SEIU representatives delivered a petition urging higher home‑care wages and described widespread economic precarity among caregivers.
What the board did: After a short staff presentation and public comment, the board approved the tentative agreements and directed human resources to prepare final documents and obtain signatures. A minor typographical correction to Unit 19’s cafeteria plan (typographical number) was noted for fix during final drafting.
Why it matters: County staff said the agreements are intended to stabilize recruitment and retention across county services. Union speakers argued current offers and processes do not fully remedy pay‑rate disparities that drive attrition. Board members and staff indicated they will continue to work with unions and departments as budget development proceeds.
Next steps: Human Resources will finalize documents and return executed agreements to the board. The county will consider midyear and recommended budget adjustments to absorb labor costs and staffing changes.
