San Joaquin County Employees Go On Strike After Contracts Expire
STOCKTON (CBS13) — Protesters took over the streets of downtown Stockton Tuesday, demanding a higher wage.
Hundreds of San Joaquin County employees represented by SEIU 1021 are on strike claiming unfair labor practices.
The streets of downtown Stockton were filled with union workers on strike, demanding fair wages, unity and respect.
"I'm not even counting dimes and nickels, I'm counting pennies," said Juan Barragan, an eligibility worker in San Joaquin County.
He says his paycheck isn't showing all the extra work he's been putting in, after he took on multiple caseloads from the hands of promoted employees.
Barragan added, "I have a pregnant wife at home, but I'm here, and my wife supports what I'm doing because she knows this is the sole income that provides the shelter and clothing and food for our children."
Cyndi Long is another county employee, who says the county is bargaining unfairly.
Long is now concerned about the community she feels she can no longer serve.
"With a larger case load, I can't help them the way they need to be helped."
The current contract for more than 4,000 county employees represented by SEIU 1021 expired June 30, despite efforts by the county to reach an agreement.
Monica Nino, the county administrator, says "The county has offered 6 percent over the next three years, but the union is asking for 13 percent."
Protesters aren't accepting the county's offer.
So many workers walked out, that the county's landfill is now shut down.
County officials say people are being diverted to other landfills around the county until they come to a resolution with the union.
The fight is still on, for protesters who say they aren't not backing down until they get a fair living wage.
"Don't treat us like a number. We service the community, but all of us here, we are the community."
The strike will continue through Thursday, when union employees from San Joaquin General Hospital plan to walk out.