Solano County workers initiated a two-day strike on October 24, 2023, demanding fair contracts and better working conditions. The strike involved members from several unions, including SEIU Local 1021, IFPTE Local 21, IUOE Local 39, and the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. These workers play essential roles in providing services ranging from mental health care to public safety.
Protests unfolded at six locations across the county, with hundreds gathering near the Solano Health and Human Services building early in the day. Approximately 150 participants attended the Solano County Board of Supervisors meeting, while over a thousand marched through downtown Fairfield, demonstrating outside the Solano County Government Center in the afternoon. The presence of Fairfield Police Department officers in riot gear marked the intensity of the demonstration, particularly when marchers briefly blocked traffic, prompting police to issue warnings about potential arrests if they did not clear the way.
Katreena Dotson, a family health services employee, expressed her determination despite the chilly weather. “We’re feeling fired up,” she said. Dotson acknowledged concerns regarding possible service interruptions but emphasized that the strike aims to enhance service delivery for the community. The county has struggled with recruitment and retention issues, and unions contend that surrounding counties offer better compensation for similar positions.
She articulated the broader implications of their demands, explaining, “If we were fully funded and fully staffed, then we would be able to provide more services to the community.” Dotson highlighted the recent pay increase approved for the Solano County Board of Supervisors, which amounted to an 18 percent raise, adding over $25,000 annually to their salaries, while workers have not seen fair adjustments.
Jeanah Brayden, a pediatrician for the county, echoed Dotson’s sentiments, stating that her patients were a significant motivation for participating in the strike. “I am here for the community,” she remarked, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring the delivery of necessary services. Brayden has been involved in three bargaining cycles with the county and described this current negotiation as the most challenging.
“We have had multiple sessions with them,” she said, “and they say they have been bargaining in good faith. Unfortunately, I don’t find it that way.” She criticized the county’s negotiation tactics, stating that meetings had dwindled in time and substance, often leading to dismissals of their proposals.
Support for the striking workers came from various community leaders, including Vallejo City Councilmember, Dr. Tonia Lediju, who demonstrated solidarity outside the government building in Fairfield.
In response to the strike, Solano County issued a statement asserting its commitment to ongoing negotiations. “The County has engaged in extensive, good-faith negotiations with our employee unions for many months,” the statement noted. It highlighted the county’s offer of more than $90 million in wage and benefit improvements, while acknowledging ongoing differences in negotiations. The county emphasized its dedication to recognizing employees’ contributions to the community and ensuring the continued delivery of quality public programs.
As the strike continues, the community remains engaged in the unfolding situation, with workers advocating for not just their rights, but also for the betterment of services provided to residents of Solano County.
