A one-day strike brings more than 2,000 Riverside County workers together on the steps of the County Administration Center to demand a fair contract after having one imposed in December 2011.
More than 2,000 Riverside County workers including social workers, nurses, and accountants, represented by SEIU 721, walked off the job today, Tuesday, Jan. 31, in an unfair labor practice strike.
During early morning hours, workers grabbed picket signs and began walking up and down the street chanting and calling for the Board of Supervisors to get back to the bargaining table to settle a contract.
“We will take any job action to get Riverside County management back to the table,” said Wendy Thomas, SEIU 721 Chief Negotiator and 911 Communications Supervisor. “We’re asking the Board to return to the table to reach a fair and equitable contract.”
In December 2011, Riverside County Board of Supervisors ended negotiations and imposed terms on workers that included severe wage and benefit reductions. Meanwhile, the Board of Supervisors continues to reward themselves and executive managers with perks that cost county taxpayers millions. Workers are seeking a restoration of public services and an equitable contract settlement.
Great work today! Thousands of Profesional, Para profesionals, Supervisors and Registered nurses brought the message loud and clear to the Board of Supervisors. It is important we stay engaged and keep the pressure on the Board. They were besides themselves today when there really bad descions came home to roost in there backyard. Thousands ocuppied the C A C (County Admin Center) and the message was loud and clear. SEIU 721 will not be trifled with. We want the same deal afforded the other Unions in this county. “This is not Financial it is Political” Barbara Olivera Riverside County HR Director.
great turn out everyone. I was glad to see how many showed up and thank you to SB and the teamsters for their help and support. Good job everyone. We will win!!!
LIUNA UNION CROSSES PICKET LINE TO SECURE A DEAL FOR THEIR MEMBERS
On Tuesday, January 31, 2012 Riverside County employees made history by walking off their jobs and striking. The members are supported by the SEIU Union and have about 5000 members. During the active strike at the County Administrative Center a representative from the LIUNA Bargaining Team walked across SEIU’s Picket Line and meet with Human Resources Director. During that meeting LIUNA secured a deal with Riverside County. This was the same benefits packet SEIU was currently asking for however the Board of Supervisor’s stated the county did not have money to make such a contract with SEIU members. But somehow the county was able to make this same deal for 8000 other union employees. It is unbelievable that our sister union betrayed us.
LIUNA Members thanks for walking beside us to just stab SEIU Member’s in the back. In the future DON’T WALK NEAR US! The SEIU Members do not need that type of support.
Great work SEIU 721 Members…Your fundamental rights are all that you have left and they should be honored.
@the BOS who said the County has been at the table 37 times, in an attempt to negotiate with the Union… and you still couldn’t get it right??? Please stop wasting tax payers money on your tiny “Egos.” Nothing personal this is business. As a matter of fact this is Riverside County tax payers business.
Happy New Year!
CPS Social Worker Riverside County
Over worked + under paid =poor performance; which places lives at risk. This is not a good formula. As a social worker it is my responsibility to oversee the safety and well-being of children and families, but that is a hard task when you are barely able to make ends meet. There comes a time when you simply have to do the right thing. It’s called a moment of TRUTH. I am a firm believer in Karma, and I hope you have you financial houses in order; as you may be sitting pretty for now, but each dawn brings a new day.