As tensions continue to escalate in ongoing contract negotiations, San Diego County government’s largest labor union announced Tuesday night that its members will go on strike Sept. 12 and 13.

Service Employees International Union Local 221 said that the county is not negotiating in good faith, so the labor organization said its members will not show up at work in two weeks.

The county has also claimed the union is not bargaining in good faith.

The union limited the job action to two days, during which the county Board of Supervisors will be meeting at the downtown County Administration Center. Union officials encouraged members to picket with their families outside the main building and at other county facilities throughout the region.


An overflow crowd of more than 200 people met at Marina Village on Mission Bay on Tuesday night. As union leaders enthusiastically addressed the crowd, members chanted “Shut them down!”

Tracey Carter, president of the county workers unit of SEIU, said even during a short strike the loss of specialized and experienced workers would be detrimental to the county.

Unless a deal is reached, it will be the first time the union has gone on strike at county workplaces since 1994.

While the union prepares to walk, it is just as eager to have fruitful negotiations, Local 221’s political director, David Lagstein, said.


The county and union are in the process of creating a list of essential employees who will not strike. The county is also developing contingency plans in order to keep government operations as normal as possible. The union represents about 10,000 of the 17,000 county employees, including nurses, librarians, social workers and appraisers.

If a strike occurs individual employees who are eligible have to make the personal decision if they will or will not show up to work.

“I need to see at least 5,000 people out there,” Carter said.


Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com


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