Unionized Solvang city workers were expected to walk off the job at 9 a.m. Tuesday — following a dramatic breakdown in labor talks.
“I’m sorry that we’re in this position,” said Candice Libera, city marketing and events coordinator. “I don’t think any of us really wanted to go on strike. But we feel very strongly about our rights, about being valued and being listened to.”
City leaders also expressed regret.
“It is truly unfortunate we are here,” City Manager Randy Murphy said.
The upheaval comes days before the three-day, city-supported Danish Days celebration kicks off on Friday.
At issue is how much of a raise 30 employees, or roughly 75% of the municipal staff, should receive. From parks maintenance workers and water operators to accountants, engineers and planners, the striking workers come from a range of key departments.
Late Monday, officials cautioned the strike could delay some services, and said the city was committed to ensuring continuity of operations and public safety.
Nearly three months after talks reached an impasse, the deadlock played out amid a backdrop of backroom decision-making and hallway negotiations during Monday night’s City Council meeting.
The call to strike, floated prior to the meeting, cemented as the evening unfolded.
The council in a 5-0 vote unilaterally imposed a “last, best, and final” offer City Hall made on June 24. It gives employees represented by Teamsters Local 986 annual raises of 4% over three years, plus equity adjustments for three positions identified as “below market.”
It’s not a raise that the employees, who say they’re stung by the high cost of living, wanted.
They rejected that specific offer on June 25—with an understanding that non-unionized staff members received raises of 25% to 40%, said Jeff Lee, a Teamsters representative.
Ahead of Monday’s meeting, the union on Friday submitted an offer to the city consisting of a 4% raise this fiscal year followed by two 6% annual raises, Lee said.
“This is literally a bird in the hand,” he said.
But when the council emerged from a closed session at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, with nothing to publicly report, it became clear elected officials had rejected that Friday offer.
Affected employees, who’d gathered in white shirts, immediately left the council chamber and huddled outside to discuss next steps.
Within minutes, Assistant City Attorney Dave Fleishman privately conveyed a new offer—offering 6% in the first year, followed by 4% over the next two, Lee said.
Moments later, the employees rejected that proposal. Lee said opposition among members of the bargaining unit was overwhelming.
City Manager Murphy said Solvang has provided strong cost of living adjustments and good benefits in recent years. He pointed to a city-funded wage study that compared Solvang to 11 jurisdictions including Buellton, Lompoc and Santa Maria.
“The city benefit package makes up a more significant percentage of total compensation than that of comparable agencies,” Murphy said, adding the unionized city workers earn on average $75,000 a year and receive a benefits package worth on average $38,000 a year per employee.
In addition, Murphy said the city has struggled to hire employees into higher roles despite significant wage increases, because base pay plus overtime sometimes exceeds salary pay.
On the high side, a Solvang employee can make nearly $18,000 a year in overtime. A number of employees routinely earn $5,000 a year in overtime, Murphy said.
“They are not poorly paid,” Murphy told the council. “Offering anything close to what they have until very recently demanded is not fiscally sound.”
As they considered imposing contract terms on the workers, City Council members said relatively little. Only two spoke.
Councilmember Mark Infanti said he found the Marketing Coordinator Libera’s comments touching.
“I have nothing else,” he said.
Before voting, Councilmember Elizabeth Orona paused to speak.
“I’m disappointed we’re here,” she said. “My ‘yes’ here is to get us back to the bargaining table.”
Late Monday, officials sought to reassure residents.
Water and wastewater operations will be maintained, according to the city.
In addition, officials said building plan reviews, inspections, and life, safety and welfare code enforcement will continue.
Parks and recreation facilities, including restroom facilities, will remain available to the public.
And emergency response to public safety hazards will continue, officials said.
“The City of Solvang and its employees remain committed to the health, safety, and welfare of our community,” officials said in a statement. “All provisions have been made to ensure that essential public safety functions and critical services are maintained. The city appreciates residents’ patience and understanding during this period.”
