Workers from Solano County launched a two-day strike on March 5, 2024, demanding fair contract negotiations with county administrators. The action involved employees represented by multiple unions, including SEIU Local 1021, IFPTE Local 21, IUOE Local 39, and the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. These workers provide essential services, encompassing mental health care, social services, and public safety.
The strike unfolded at six locations across the county, beginning early in the day. Hundreds of workers gathered outside the Solano Health and Human Services building at 07:00, while approximately 150 participants attended the Solano County Board of Supervisors meeting. Later, more than a thousand workers marched through downtown Fairfield, culminating in a demonstration outside the Solano County Government Center.
In response to the gathering crowds, officers from the Fairfield Police Department, dressed in riot gear, monitored the situation. They issued warnings to protesters blocking traffic, reminding them that such actions could lead to arrests. Protesters complied quickly, ensuring that traffic resumed.
Katreena Dotson, a family health services employee for the county, expressed her determination despite the cold weather. “We’re feeling fired up, as we are saying, because we are just trying to fight for a fair contract,” Dotson stated. She acknowledged potential disruptions to services but emphasized that the strike aims to improve conditions for both workers and residents.
Dotson highlighted ongoing recruitment and retention issues within the county. She pointed out that nearby counties offer better compensation for similar roles, which has exacerbated staffing challenges. “If we were fully funded and fully staffed, then we would be able to provide more services to the community because we also are people who live in this community,” she added.
The strike has drawn attention to recent pay increases awarded to the county’s Board of Supervisors. “Our Board of Supervisors voted themselves an 18 percent pay increase at one of the board meetings, giving themselves over $25,000 extra on their salaries, but they’re not coming to the table with something that is fair and equitable for all of us workers,” Dotson said.
Jeanah Brayden, a pediatrician for Solano County, also voiced her support for the strike. “I am here for the community,” she affirmed, noting that her decision to strike was driven by the needs of her patients. Brayden, who has participated in three bargaining cycles, described this particular negotiation as the most challenging. “We have had multiple sessions with them, and they say they have been bargaining in good faith. Unfortunately, I don’t find it that way,” she remarked.
The county government issued a statement on March 5, addressing some of the unions’ claims. “The County has engaged in extensive, good-faith negotiations with our employee unions for many months,” the statement read. It further emphasized that the county has offered more than $90 million in wage and benefit improvements. While acknowledging ongoing differences, the county reiterated its commitment to reaching an agreement that recognizes the valuable services provided by employees.
Support for the striking workers came from various members of the community, including local officials such as Dr. Tonia Lediju, a Vallejo City Councilmember. Her presence at the demonstration underscored the solidarity among community members with the workers’ fight for fair compensation and improved services.
As the strike continues, both sides face pressure to find common ground. Workers are hopeful that their actions will lead to meaningful negotiations that not only benefit them but also enhance the quality of services available to the Solano County community.
