OC Teamsters plan strike after talks with county stall

Nearly 450 Orange County employees represented by the Teamsters could strike next week unless county leaders make a new contract offer, Voice of OC reported Thursday.

The threatened walkout could affect county road, park, animal shelter and landfill work, as well as custodial services and mechanic work on sheriff’s vehicles.

Nearly 450 Orange County employees represented by Teamsters Local 952 are preparing to walk off the job next week unless the county makes a new contract offer, according to Voice of OC.

Eric Jimenez, secretary treasurer of Local 952 Teamsters, told Voice of OC the strike would proceed unless members receive a fair contract offer before Tuesday. Voice of OC reported that Teamsters employees at the OC Transportation Authority would not join the planned strike.

The workers covered by the threatened strike maintain county roads, parks, the animal shelter and landfills, according to Voice of OC. The group also includes custodians and mechanics who work on sheriff’s vehicles.

The labor dispute follows a California Public Employee Relations Board letter dated Oct. 6 alleging the county refused to meet in good faith, Voice of OC reported. The letter from Joseph Eckhart, interim general counsel for the board, said the county’s alleged conduct included failing to give negotiators enough authority, failing to provide counteroffers and using delaying tactics, according to the report.

County spokesperson Molly Nichelson told Voice of OC the county respects employees’ right to lawful strike activity and is focused on keeping public services running. She also said the county has contingency plans to limit service disruptions.

The Teamsters were one of three unions that rejected county supervisors’ one-year contract offer with a 3% raise, according to Voice of OC. The county sheriff deputies union and the local American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees branch also rejected the offer.

County officials must respond to the state labor board letter by Oct. 26, according to Voice of OC.