San Benito County employees gathered on the steps of the county
administrative building Tuesday morning to demand a pay increase
they say they need.
Hollister – San Benito County employees gathered on the steps of the county administrative building Tuesday morning to demand a pay increase they say they need.
Negotiators with Service Employees International Union Local 817, which is headquartered in Salinas and represents San Benito County employees, are meeting with county officials hoping to win a 2 percent wage increase for its members.
A year ago, the SEIU negotiated a three-year contract that gave county employees a 1 percent pay increase each year over the life of the contract. During those negotiations, the county agreed to revisit the contract after a year to discuss the possibility of giving employees a higher increase if the county was in a better financial situation.
Tuesday’s rally was an attempt by the union to show county officials they are serious about the increase, said SEIU organizer Mayra Mora.
“I’m out here because I don’t believe a 1 percent salary increase is adequate. The cost of living is going up,” said Lori Woodle, an accountant for the Sheriff’s office. “Honestly, a 3 percent increase is still modest, but it’s better than one.”
Supervisor Anthony Botelho said he’d like to see county employees get a pay increase, but economic reality precludes it.
“Barring some change of circumstances, I don’t see how we can open an existing contract and increase salaries at this point.”
Some 55 county employees took part at some point in the hour and a half-long demonstration, according to Mora. Drivers in passing county vehicles honked their horns in support.
Acting San Benito County Chief Administrative Officer Susan Lyons acknowledged the lack of resolution of the pay issue.
Sympathizing with the employees, Lyons said the county budget, which had to be balanced with nearly $2 million from the county’s $12 million reserves, is in worse shape than it was last year.
“I believe the cost of living (increase) is real,” she said. “But if we keep using reserves to fund ongoing costs we’re going to spend them.”
But Woodle believes the county would save money in the long run by increasing salaries, thus retaining experienced employees and avoiding vacancies and costs associated with recruiting and training.
“If costs keep going up I may be forced to go elsewhere – I don’t want to do that,” she said.
Mora said SEIU is willing to compromise with the county.
“Any gain is a gain,” she said. “If we get 1 percent, that’s a gain. If we don’t get anything, it’s unsatisfactory.”
Luke Roney covers politics and agriculture for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at lr****@fr***********.com
