Kern County Strike Ready Central
This webpage is a central hub in preparation for all things Kern County Chapter Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Following nearly a year of ongoing negotiations with the County of Kern, SEIU Local 521 members voted overwhelmingly on December 11 to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice Strike. Your elected bargaining team officially announced the intent to strike on March 5, 2025. SEIU Local 521 represented workers are going on a ULP strike over the County’s bad faith bargaining and multiple labor law violations. Charges include the restriction of union access to worksites, and retaliation against union leaders organizing at their worksites. Learn more below, and complete your digital strike plan form.
This site will be regularly updated. Last update: March 3, 2025 – 2:15 p.m.
ULP Strike Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
WHAT IS A ULP STRIKE?
An Unfair Labor Practice Strike (ULP) is a strike over an employer’s violation of labor relations laws, in this case the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act.
WHEN ARE WE GOING ON STRIKE?
County workers will form strike picket-lines at all county worksites on Wednesday, March 5, for a 24-hour strike.
WHO IS GOING ON STRIKE?
Over 5,000 county workers from all departments, including social workers, public and behavioral health staff, eligibility workers, roads and animal control workers, assessors and administrative workers, sheriff’s department staff, benefits workers, public defenders, and many more, plan to walk off the job on Wednesday, March 5.
WHEN & WHERE SHOULD I REPORT TO ON THE DAY OF THE STRIKE?
Your worksite will have a fellow county co-worker assigned as a strike captain. You should report to your worksite location 1 hour before your regular work shift begins. You must sign in at your worksite the day of the strike.
ON THE DAY OF THE STRIKE, DO I NEED TO CALL OUT OF WORK OR EDIT MY TIME CARD?
No. Before the strike, your manager may ask if you plan to participate. We suggest responding with, “YES, we’re all going” and inform your union rep or strike captain if you’ve been asked this question because it is against the law for your manager to ask you this. Once the strike begins, there’s no need to call in—just head straight to your worksite’s strike line on the morning of the strike.
CAN I USE VACATION TIME TO TAKE PART IN THE ULP STRIKE?
No. Vacation time cannot be used for the strike.
I AM ON PROBATION, CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE ULP STRIKE?
Yes. Extra-help and probationary workers all have the right to strike. It is illegal to terminate extra-help or probationary workers because they exercised their legal right to strike.
IS THERE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO THOSE THAT TAKE PART IN THE STRIKE?
Our union strike manual includes information about the strike fund available only after 5 days of striking.
I’M NOT A UNION MEMBER, CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE ULP STRIKE?
Yes. All workers engaging in the ULP strike are protected. Activating your membership is an important step toward building collective power and leverage for our bargaining team. Activate your membership by following this link.
CAN I STAY HOME ON THE DAY THAT OF THE STRIKE?
We strongly encourage you to join the picket line. Showing our strength in numbers will have greater impact and influence on the County.
I’M A SUPERVISOR. CAN I STILL STRIKE? HOW DO I PREPARE MY STAFF OR DEPARTMENT WHEN I STRIKE?
Yes. Union represented supervisors have the protected right to strike. There are no special obligations to work or make arrangements because they are a supervisor.
MY BOSS/SUPERVISOR IS ASKING ME IF I’M STRIKING AND MAKING PROMISES, IS THIS LEGAL?
No. You should report any conversations your supervisor has with you about striking to your internal organizer, call the Kern County Strike Hotline: (661) 321-4166 or the SEIU 521 Member Resource Center: 1-833-734-8521
CAN I BE TERMINATED FOR TAKING PART IN THE ULP STRIKE?
No. Unfair Labor Practice strikes are legally protected union activity. Please complete this form to report cases of retaliation or intimidation by County management.
IS MY BOSS/SUPERVISOR RIGHT IN TELLING ME I CANNOT STRIKE?
No. You should report any conversations your supervisor has with you about striking to your internal organizer or call the Kern County Strike Hotline: (661) 321-4166 or the SEIU 521 Member Resource Center: 1-833-734-8521. A small number of workers will be required to work for public safety reasons. These will be determined by the Public Employee Relations Board and our Union will notify you if you are on the list.
Strike Hotline Now Open
The Kern County strike hotline has been created for County workers who have additional questions about the upcoming 24-hour ULP strike on Wednesday, March 5. Strike Hotline Number: (661) 321-4166
Strike Hotline Hours:
- Monday, March 3 – 12 pm – 9 pm
- Tuesday, March 4 – 7 am – 9 pm
- Wednesday, March 5 – 5 am – 5 pm
If you contact the strike hotline and are not able to connect, please contact the SEIU 521 Member Resource Center: 1-833-734-8521
STRIKE PLANS – MARCH 5TH
Where is the strike picket line I report to on the morning of March 5th?
One hour before your work shift, report to the worksite you normally report to and join the ULP strike line. Then you and your coworkers relocate to County Administrative Building, 1115 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield no later than 10:00 am.
Where do I park for the 10:00 am action at the County Administrative Building, 1115 Truxtun?
You can park in multiple areas, but be aware that there are some designated areas we do not recommend you park in. To download the map of recommended parking areas, click here.
Strike Plan Digital RSVP
Complete your digital strike plan RSVP form below to confirm you will plan to join us on the picket lines on Wednesday, March 5.
The only way to Fix Kern is to stand up together.
Thousands of workers are expected to strike on Wednesday, March 5th starting at 12:00 am and ending at 11:59 pm. Fill out this Strike Plan Commitment card, today.