SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—A large group of workers rallied at the Santa Cruz County building Tuesday morning, before telling the County Board of Supervisors they are prepared to strike if ongoing contract negotiations do not go their way.
Officials for SEIU Local 521, the union representing the County workers, said that 93% of 1,400 said they would support the action.
“I’m here to let you know that our membership spoke loud and clear, and they voted yes on a strike vote to authorize the bargaining team to call a strike,” said Chapter President Veronica Velasquez, a senior social worker with the County’s Human Services Department.
Workers are hoping for salary increases, which they say would both better their lives and allow the County to hire and retain employees. This, in turn, would help fill vacant positions and ameliorate staff shortages, union officials say.
“Essential services are understaffed, and our community is suffering as a result,” said Kiernan Colby. “Our members are now four months without a contract, and your management is to blame.”
Worker Rae Ann Jimenez told the board that County workers continued to work during the 2020 Covid-19 shutdown, when most people were staying indoors for fear of their health and safety, all the while facing a 7.5% furlough.
“At the same time we were asked to continue to serve our county and community and keep vital services operating,” she said. “And we did.”
With a Thursday deadline looming, a strike would “cripple” County services, with departments such as the Health Services, public works and the Assessor’s Office affected, union officials said.
Santa Cruz County Spokesman Jason Hoppin said that County officials are optimistic that a strike can be avoided.
“As stated by SEIU leaders who spoke before the board, we are not far from reaching an agreement,” he said. “We are committed to delivering high-quality, fiscally responsible services to the public and look forward to working productively with our employees to achieve that goal.”
