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County employees, unions urge Solano supervisors to settle contracts and restore 2026 health‑care increases
Summary
More than a dozen Solano County employees and union representatives told supervisors during public comment on Jan. 27 that stalled contract talks, withheld 2026 health‑care increases and understaffing are harming clients and driving workers to leave. Speakers asked the board to meet directly with negotiators and restore planned increases.
Dozens of Solano County employees and union leaders urged the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 27 to return to the bargaining table, restore planned 2026 health‑care increases and approve fair cost‑of‑living adjustments so county services can keep operating.
Speakers representing social‑services, mental‑health and public‑safety support roles recounted long waits for care and personal hardship while criticizing the pace and transparency of county negotiations. "We will not be able to provide adequate care as long as we experience under staffing and high turnover," said Sarah, a mental‑health clinician (public comment), who said referrals are still taking five to six months. Juliana Williams, a clinician, said delays have real consequences: clients may end up in emergency rooms or involved with law enforcement.
Several employees said the county withheld planned health‑care increases for 2026, forcing workers to make up the difference. "You're withholding the 2026 health care increases from your employee checks … Families are having to pay an additional $200 per month," a longtime county employee told supervisors. Others described facing bankruptcy, losing homes, and using personal leave to attend negotiations and public meetings.
Union representatives framed the dispute as broader than pay. Carl Vincent, speaking as an IHSS Public Authority advisory member and SEIU ally, said four bargaining units had gone on strike this year in protest and warned of a care‑workforce crisis if wages remain uncompetitive. "We represent the people that help keep Solano County safe, healthy, and strong," he said. Justin Decker of IFPT Local 21 asked the board to empower negotiators to make a deal and warned that overly conservative budgeting has left reserves while services suffer.
Speakers repeatedly asked the board to "come to the table" personally and to stop relying on outside negotiators or staff without authority to settle. Multiple commenters contrasted a recent 18% increase the board approved for itself in 2025 with the county's approach to employee contracts; speakers called that disparity demoralizing.
Board members did not take action during public comment, but the repeated, organized appeals and union presence signal pressure on the board and county negotiators ahead of impending closed‑session labor talks that staff later announced under Government Code §54957.6.
The board is scheduled to meet again Feb. 3; several speakers said they will continue pressing for a negotiated settlement and restoration of the withheld health‑care increases.
