On March 5 and 6, 2024, workers from various unions representing Solano County government employees initiated a two-day strike, demanding better contract terms from the county’s administration. The strike included members from SEIU Local 1021, IFPTE Local 21, IUOE Local 39, and the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, who provide essential services such as mental health care, social services, and public safety.
Protests unfolded at six locations throughout the county, with hundreds of workers gathering as early as 07:00 at the Solano Health and Human Services building. Approximately 150 workers attended a meeting of the Solano County Board of Supervisors, and later, over a thousand participants marched through downtown Fairfield, culminating in a demonstration outside the Solano County Government Center.
During the afternoon protests, officers from the Fairfield Police Department, equipped in riot gear, were present to monitor the situation after marchers briefly obstructed traffic. Police used loudspeakers to inform demonstrators that blocking traffic was unlawful and warned of potential arrests. The protesters complied and cleared the road promptly.
Katreena Dotson, an employee in family health services, expressed her determination, stating, “We’re feeling fired up… we are just trying to fight for a fair contract.” She acknowledged the frustration that the strike might cause residents but emphasized that the ultimate goal is to enhance service delivery to the community. Dotson pointed out ongoing recruitment and retention challenges faced by the county, arguing that neighboring counties offer better compensation for similar roles.
She added, “If we were fully funded and fully staffed, then we would be able to provide more services to the community.” Dotson and her fellow strikers criticized the Solano County Board of Supervisors for approving an 18 percent pay increase for themselves, which translates to over $25,000 in additional annual salary, while not addressing the needs of frontline workers.
Jeanah Brayden, a pediatrician for Solano County, echoed similar sentiments regarding the strike’s purpose. “I am here for the community,” she said, highlighting her commitment to ensuring that residents receive necessary services. Brayden has participated in three bargaining cycles with the county, characterizing the current negotiations as the most challenging. She expressed disappointment regarding the perceived lack of good faith in negotiations, stating, “It’s been two and a half hours of meetings that are dwindling to only 20 to 30 minutes… and they concluded by saying ‘no’ to all of our proposals.”
In response to the strike, Solano County issued a statement asserting that it has engaged in extensive negotiations with employee unions for several months. The county claimed to have reviewed and addressed numerous proposals, offering more than $90 million in wage and benefit improvements. “While differences remain, the County remains committed to reaching an agreement that recognizes employees’ valuable service and ensures the continued delivery of quality public programs,” the statement read.
As the strike continues, workers remain united in their call for a fair contract, emphasizing that their efforts aim not only to secure better pay and conditions for themselves but also to enhance the quality of services provided to the community.
