With contract negotiations looming, San Diego County union workers held a rally Saturday morning on the west side of the County Administration Center.
“Many of our departments are still understaffed and it’s important that the communities get what they need,” said Crystal Irving, president of
SEIU Local 221, which represents about 11,000 members who work in county health services, social welfare, clerical, registered nursing and other jobs.
The San Diego Police Department estimated the crowd at about 300.
The union’s current three-year contract with the county is about to expire and Irving said membership wants to finalize a new deal before a June 30 budget deadline.
SEIU is also calling on county officials to draw upon their budget reserves to recruit and retain staff members.
“We are advocating for them to change their policy, which means they’d be able to divvy up resources differently to ensure that we’re able to put some of those resources into the workforce and into some of the services that we’re providing,” Irving said.
In an email to the Union-Tribune on Friday, a San Diego County spokesperson said officials “will continue to hold regular bargaining sessions with SEIU,” but did not speak to the question about making changes to financial reserves.
“Our workforce and the services they provide to support local communities are our greatest asset,” said Tammy Glenn, director of the county’s communications office. “The County remains committed to fair and productive negotiations that balance employee needs with our long-term financial sustainability. We will prioritize competitive compensation and benefits, while continuing to provide essential services to the community.” ...read more read less
