Over 400 county employees are scheduled to return to work tomorrow, following an announcement from leaders of the local Teamsters union, Local 952, that their strike is on pause. The union stated the decision comes amid improved negotiations with county supervisors, with an expectation that a vote on a new contract will take place on Friday.
The strike, which commenced last Tuesday, is now halted as a demonstration of "good faith," according to an unsigned statement published Tuesday evening on the Local Teamsters 952 union’s Facebook page. The statement indicated that "Following discussions with the County during mediation, we believe we are moving in the right direction toward reaching an agreement."
Union leaders expressed hope that Friday's special meeting, where county supervisors are scheduled to discuss a new deal, will produce an offer their members can approve. The union stated it aims to "put this strike behind us and continue doing what we do best, serving our communities." However, the statement also warned that if the county fails to return with a fair offer that recognizes the critical work performed by its members, the union is "prepared to immediately resume our strike and return to the picket lines." No specific agreements have yet been reached.
During the strike, competing claims emerged from both sides. Union leaders alleged the county did not negotiate in good faith. Conversely, county leaders claimed that striking workers improperly blocked streets and slowed down processing at county landfills.
The union members had previously turned down a contract offer that proposed a one-year, three-percent raise. This offer was consistent with deals presented to other county unions, following months during which county leaders had asserted they could not offer any raises. The strike itself was prompted by earlier reports from Teamsters leaders that negotiations had stalled, with county negotiators reportedly not granted the authority to finalize any deals.
County supervisors are expected to host the special meeting on Friday to further discuss a new deal. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether the current pause in the strike leads to a ratified agreement or if employees return to the picket lines.
