Workers from various unions in Solano County initiated a two-day strike on March 5, 2024, demanding fair contracts from county administrators. The strike involved members from SEIU Local 1021, IFPTE Local 21, IUOE Local 39, and the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. These workers provide essential services, including mental health care, social services, and public safety.
Demonstrations occurred at six locations across the county, with the largest gathering taking place outside the Solano Health and Human Services building at 7 a.m. A crowd of approximately 150 attended the Solano County Board of Supervisors meeting, while over a thousand workers marched through downtown Fairfield later in the day, culminating in a demonstration in front of the Solano County Government Center.
The protests drew a significant police presence, with officers in riot gear monitoring the situation. Some marchers briefly blocked traffic, prompting police to issue warnings about potential arrests if they did not clear the roads. Protesters complied promptly, allowing traffic to resume.
Katreena Dotson, a family health services employee, expressed her determination despite the inclement weather. “We’re feeling fired up, as we are saying, because we are just trying to fight for a fair contract,” she stated. Dotson acknowledged concerns about service interruptions due to the strike but emphasized that employees are advocating for better resources to serve the community effectively.
The county has struggled with recruitment and retention, and unions assert that neighboring counties offer more competitive compensation for similar roles. Dotson highlighted a recent pay increase for the Board of Supervisors, which approved an 18 percent raise, amounting to over $25,000 annually. “They’re not coming to the table with something that is fair and equitable for all of us workers,” she said. “Their work is based on the work that we do.”
Dotson also pointed out that the understaffing in her medical clinic hampers the ability to meet public needs. She stressed that the strike is not merely for personal gain but aims to enhance the quality of services offered to the community. “If we were fully funded and fully staffed, then we would be able to provide more services,” she explained.
Dr. Jeanah Brayden, a pediatrician for the county, echoed Dotson’s sentiments, stating that her commitment to her patients motivates her participation in the strike. Brayden has been involved in three bargaining cycles with the county, describing this one as the most challenging. “We have had multiple sessions with them,” she said. “They say they have been bargaining in good faith. Unfortunately, I don’t find it that way.”
According to Brayden, meetings have dwindled in length and resulted in the rejection of all union proposals. “If that is good faith, I’d hate to see what bad faith is,” she remarked.
Support for the striking workers came from various community members, including Vallejo City Councilmember Dr. Tonia Lediju, who demonstrated solidarity during the protests.
In response to the strike, Solano County released a statement asserting that it has engaged in extensive negotiations with employee unions. “The County has engaged in extensive, good-faith negotiations with our employee unions for many months,” the statement read. “We have carefully reviewed and responded to hundreds of proposals and have put forward a comprehensive offer totaling more than $90 million in wage and benefit improvements.”
While the county acknowledges that differences remain, it emphasized its commitment to reaching a fair agreement that recognizes the valuable service of its employees and ensures the continued delivery of quality public programs.
