As the Solvang employees’ strike enters its fifth week, the City Council met behind closed doors to issue new instructions for negotiations.

After the closed session Monday night, City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan provided a brief statement.

“The City Council has granted additional authority to its negotiator and directed the city negotiator to proceed with additional negotiations with the union,” O’Sullivan said.

Last week, the city posted to its strike update website that the union had submitted a new written proposal expected to be reviewed and discussed Monday night in closed session.

Solvang city employees represented by Teamsters Local 986 have been on strike since Sept. 15, when the council voted to impose a 4% pay hike after talks broke down.

Before the closed session, several union members and residents urged a resolution to the labor dispute.

“The proposal before you tonight represents substantial concessions by our members,” said Jeff Lee, Local 986 business representative. “It would establish a multi-year agreement, provide predictable labor costs for the city, and allow both sides to begin rebuilding relationships.

“It could also reduce the need for continued negotiations and additional legal expenses, allowing city resources and everyone’s attention to return to serving the community.”

Residents who spoke during Monday’s public comment period urged the council to hire a mediator to resolve the labor dispute.

Employees also pleaded for a resolution, saying they want to return to work. 

“We didn’t ask for the world. We asked for what was fair,” said Jennifer Caballo, community services officer for the city.

Candice Libera, Solvang marketing and events coordinator and a striking employee, said the city collected a record-breaking $993,877 for July’s transient-occupancy tax (TOT), or bed tax, paid by people who rent hotel rooms in Solvang. 

It was the highest monthly amount collected in the city’s history, Libera added. She also noted increases in sales-tax revenue in July.

“These numbers don’t happen by accident,” Libera said. “They reflect a thriving tourism economy supported by dedicated employees who help keep the city running, looking beautiful and welcoming to our visitors.”

Last October, Solvang hosted its first Harvest Haunts and Happenings series, resulting in a 31% increase in TOT.

“What should be another successful season of fall events and activities has instead been overshadowed by a strike that has gone on far too long,” she said.

“This year’s Harvest Haunts and Happenings series has failed to come together as planned, with events cancelled and opportunities lost. The employees on strike are the very people who help make these economic successes possible.”

The city appears to be proceeding toward holding its 32nd annual Halloween haunted house, planned for Oct. 23-24, and is soliciting volunteers to serve as guides and monsters.