Our bargaining team met with the county over the weekend and rejected the county’s latest offer, then called for the strike authorization vote.
Details of the latest offer and bargaining updates were provided at the rally and vote.
Voting continues through Tuesday, Aug. 13. See voting details
At stake are community services and getting a fair contract that will allow the county to recruit and retain a cutting edge workforce.
During the rally, workers talked about the impact of the county not investing in workers or services.
“The county is refusing to invest in our workforce. We are not able to recruit, train, and retain quality employees. We are understaffed and being forced to work overtime. Dispatchers are burnt out. In our job mistakes mean the difference between life and death. This is a major public safety issue and it’s happening because the county is refusing to invest in us. Our community deserves better.” — Todd Stotesberry, Communications Dispatcher III
Roseann Berthron-Arechiga served as master of ceremonies for the event and told the crowd that we’re ready to fight for our services.
Chapter Chair wRen Bradley also urged the crowd to always stand united.
“We are a united family. We must be united or we will not win.” — wRen Bradley, Santa Clara County Chapter Chair
To kick off the rally, a group of members in full rocker gear pumped up the crowd by performing a fun rendition of “We’re Not Going to Take It” by Twisted Sister.
Korean drummers also jumped in the fray and played a traditional drum song meant to chase out the bad spirits and bring in the good.
Our Local 521 Chief Elected Officer Luisa Blue gave workers words of encouragement and labor leaders from throughout the region addressed the crowd in solidarity.
Labor leaders included Ben Field, Executive Director of South Bay Labor Council; Lance Scimeca, President of Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers’ Association; Max Zarzana, President of the Government Attorney’s Association; and Laverne Washington, President of AFSCME Local 101.
Campbell Mayor Evan Low also attended the event and spoke in solidarity of county workers.
After the rally, members marched up and down Hedding Street.
Stay tuned for voting results and next steps.
The voting process and the rally are covered by local media including NBC, Metro News via San Jose Insider, and Mercury News.
Read the event covered on Metro News
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