More than 465 union workers began a strike Tuesday, potentially disrupting essential government services for residents across Orange County, after negotiations for a new contract failed. Members of Teamsters Local 952 started picketing at 6 a.m., following the official start of their strike at 4 a.m. Tuesday.
Workers employed across Orange County Public Works, Orange County Waste & Recycling, Orange County Community Resources, and other county operations are involved in the work stoppage. A news conference by union officials was planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday outside the County Administration Building in Santa Ana, coinciding with an Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting.
The union has indicated that the strike could cause delays in various services important to residents, including road and flood channel maintenance, landfill operations, parks and beach upkeep, and repairs to county and first responder vehicles. These services are relied upon by more than 3 million Orange County residents, including those in Irvine.
In anticipation of the strike, Orange County officials stated on Thursday that contingency plans were in place to maintain essential services. The county released a statement acknowledging the legal right of its employees to strike. "Our priority remains ensuring the continuity of essential public services for our residents," the county statement said. "We have contingency plans in place to minimize service disruptions." The county's statement did not address specific allegations made by the union regarding the pace of negotiations or retroactive pay.
Teamsters Local 952 officials expressed continued frustration on Monday with the pace of contract negotiations, accusing the county of failing to work towards a fair agreement. According to Christian Castro, a spokesperson for the Teamsters, the Orange County Board of Supervisors informed the union that a new proposal would be provided after the board's closed-session meeting on Tuesday.
Eric Jimenez, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 952, stated that the union had made every effort to reach an equitable agreement. Jimenez described a process marked by "months of delays and a complete disregard for the workers who keep Orange County running," asserting that the county had compelled members to strike to secure the "fair contract they deserve." He emphasized the union's commitment to continue fighting until a satisfactory resolution is reached.
The union reported that it initiated calls for bargaining as early as December 2025, more than six months before the previous agreement was set to expire. Proposals were first submitted by the union in March, but it alleges that the county did not make significant progress in negotiations until August. The union also stated it has filed an unfair labor practice charge, alleging bad-faith bargaining on the part of the county.
A key point of contention for the union is the issue of retroactive pay. Union officials said the delays in reaching an agreement have led to lost wages for workers, which they contend will not be recovered because the county has declined to include retroactive pay in a new contract.
Teamsters officials further highlighted that this contract dispute occurs months after the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a 25% salary increase for themselves. This increase amounts to approximately $49,000 annually per supervisor, raising their yearly salaries to over $244,000.
The outcome of the Board of Supervisors' Tuesday meeting and their subsequent proposal remains to be seen, as the strike continues to impact various county operations and the services provided to residents throughout Orange County.