Solvang city workers walked off the job Tuesday, striking for higher wages as questions swirled about municipal operations and impacts to the upcoming Danish Days celebration.
City Hall leaders said a wide range of public services—and Danish Days—would proceed despite the strike. Striking employees and union leaders said they expected noticeable disruptions.
“They (city leaders) don’t see ninety percent of what we actually do,” said Johnathon Flynn, public works supervisor.
As placard-wielding office and field workers fanned out across the Danish-inspired hamlet shortly after 9 a.m., Flynn stationed himself outside the front door to City Hall.
The strike—the first at Solvang City Hall—had just begun.
Cracked sidewalks, the city’s 3,300 trees, signs and public restrooms were all on his mind, he said, along with Danish Days, which starts Friday.
“I’m sure there’s going to be a lot that falls through the cracks,” Flynn said.
Thomas Birkholm, president of the nonprofit Solvang Danish Days Foundation, said the three-day event relies on municipal workers for street closures that require 48-hour advance notification. City Hall also helps fund the event through an annual $40,000 grant.
“I technically can’t be moving cones,” Birkholm said. “I’ll be liable if something happens.”
Danish Days draws thousands of Santa Ynez Valley residents, former residents and tourists. Some come looking to temporarily “live like Vikings,” according to a city-owned tourism website.
Like any big party, the 89th installment of the celebration this year requires logistical care.
The Saturday morning Danish Days Aebleskiver Breakfast shuts down Copenhagen Drive. A beer garden takes over a parking lot, Birkholm said.
The Saturday afternoon parade, a main event, closes at least a half dozen streets.
“These guys do a lot,” Birkholm said of city workers. “If I need something, I just call them.”
Union representative Jeff Lee, an organizer with Teamsters Local 986, said UPS delivery drivers won’t cross the picket line. The same goes for wide range of local contractors, he said.
City leaders, Lee said, underestimated the resolve of the bargaining unit and what the strike might bring. He stressed the strike wasn’t timed to coincide with Danish Days.
“It’s going to hurt,” Lee said. “I wish it wasn’t this tough road.”
City Hall managers denied multiple requests for interviews Tuesday. Asked in writing if Solvang can still support Danish Days closures, cleanup and other activities, the response was brief.
“Danish Days will proceed as scheduled,” wrote Olivia Uribe Mutal, assistant to the city manager. “The parade also is scheduled to take place as normal.”
Late Monday, the city issued a press release that said water and wastewater operations will continue during the strike. Building plan reviews, inspections, and life, safety, and welfare code enforcement will also proceed unaffected, the statement said.
Parks and recreation facilities including restrooms “will remain available to the public,” according to the city. Likewise, officials said they expected no disruption in emergency responses to public safety hazards.
At the same time, officials said some special events might not happen.
“The City has made comprehensive preparations to ensure continuity of operations and public safety,” according to the Monday statement. “Other City services remain available by appointment… Some services may experience delays. Parks and recreation programs and special events may be postponed or canceled.”
The union announced the strike Monday, when labor talks broke down.
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.
Amid competing last minute offers and counteroffers, the City Council on Monday voted 5-0 to unilaterally imposed a “last, best, and final” offer City Hall made on June 24.
The terms give affected employees 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%, Lee said.
On Monday, City Manager Randy 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.”
