San Luis Obispo County is preparing for a possible strike by some of its employees.
County officials say the potential strike, by the San Luis Obispo County Employees’ Association (SLOCEA), could happen in December.
Officials say the county and the employees’ union have been negotiating over contract terms for months and on Nov. 16, the union notified the county that employees had called for a strike.
SLOCEA represents more than 1,700 county employees. The county says certain employees who perform public health and safety services would be barred from participating in a strike and that officials are preparing to make sure essential services are delivered during a potential strike.
SLOCEA General Manager Pat McNamara says union members believe they are being treated unfairly by the county and there has been a “growing dissatisfaction among county employees for many years.”
The union is asking for an additional 2.5 percent wage increase for employees, restoration of minimum pay for on-call employees, and an increase in medical contributions for all employees.
County Administrative Officer Wade Horton says the county is “disappointed that SLOCEA members voted to strike” and that the county looks “forward to getting back to the negotiation table with them early next year.”
