#United States #Fairfield #SEIU Local 1021 #Labor Unions #Solano County

Four Public Service Unions Initiate Strike in Solano County

Solano County will be facing significant disruptions as four public service unions, including SEIU Local 1021, IFPTE Local 21, IUOE Local 39, and UAPD, initiate a two-day strike beginning January 13, 2026. This collective action arises from frustrations regarding the County’s failure to engage in good faith negotiations over the past four months, particularly regarding workers' rights and essential labor conditions.

A Call to Action

Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Labor Federation (AFL-CIO), has expressed her unwavering support for the striking workers, stating, "I will stand with Solano County workers on their strike lines. These workers provide critical mental health care, social services, and public safety, yet they are being forced to fight to protect the services they provide, their own healthcare, and their families' futures.” According to Gonzalez, the California Labor Federation, which represents over 2.3 million union members, stands firmly in solidarity with the workers, urging the County to reconsider its approach and return to negotiations.

Workers’ Struggles and Community Impact

The strike is a direct response to the ongoing neglect and under-resourcing experienced by employees within Solano County’s Health and Social Services. Elizabeth Harrison, Regional Vice President of SEIU 1021, emphasized that the action taken by the workers aims to safeguard not only their livelihoods but also the essential services they provide. "Every day, public employees provide essential services under increasingly strained conditions. When workers are not adequately supported, public services suffer. This action is about ensuring Solano County can retain experienced staff and continue delivering the services residents depend on,” she stated.

Christie Allan, a Mental Health Clinical Supervisor and member of the IFPTE Local 21, voiced concerns about understaffing in critical departments, asserting that delays resulting from this lack of resources can have dire consequences. "These delays can be life-or-death—the difference between housing and eviction, food and hunger. Therapists and mental-health clinicians remaining understaffed may result in the continued possibility of danger and violence on our streets,” she explained.

The Children’s Crisis

Dr. Young Moon, a Child Psychiatrist and UAPD member, highlighted the urgent needs of the youngest populations, saying, "As a child psychiatrist, I see firsthand the mental health crisis affecting our youngest patients—children who are experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, trauma, and neurodevelopmental disorders. These children can't wait while the County plays games at the bargaining table. We're striking because the County's tactics jeopardize the stability of services our children need to survive.”

Rally and Strike Lines

The strike will commence early on January 13th and 14th, with strike lines starting at 7 AM each day at 275 Beck Avenue in Fairfield. Additionally, a lunchtime rally is planned at noon on both days at 675 Texas Street, allowing union members to gather and raise awareness about their cause.

The collective bargaining action seeks to not only address immediate labor disparities but also to ensure that the communities of Solano County continue to receive the high-quality services they need from a committed and stable workforce.

Final Thoughts

As the strike approaches, the unions represent the growing discontent among public sector employees and highlight the essential role they play within the community and the urgent need for fair labor practices. The outcome of this action may very well set a precedent for how public servants are treated and respected in the workplace moving forward. The message from these unions is clear: it’s time for the County to step up and prioritize its workers.