Solvang city employees represented by Teamsters Local 986 speak at Monday night's City Council meeting, where leaders voted to impose a contract offer on the union.
Solvang city employees represented by Teamsters Local 986 speak at Monday night's City Council meeting, where leaders voted to impose a contract offer on the union. Credit: Jack Dindia / Noozhawk photo

Solvang city workers will begin striking Tuesday morning, after the City Council unanimously voted Monday night to impose its final contract offer on the union.

The council’s unanimous vote ended five months of failed negotiations between Teamsters Local 986 and the city, and Solvang will implement the 4% increase previously rejected by workers represented by the union.

“I’m disappointed we’re here. My yes here is to get us back to the bargaining table,”  Councilmember Elizabeth Orona said. 

Solvang leaders’ action imposed the cost-of-living increase for the next three years, as well as adjustments for three positions, which were “consistent with or exceeds increases offered this year by comparable agencies in the county,” according to Olivia Uribe Mutal, assistant to the city manager.

Roughly 30 Teamsters representatives attended the Monday night meeting, with multiple members speaking against the proposed offer and urging the city to accept an updated proposal. Neither side revealed the details of the union’s new contract offer. 

Prior to the council’s vote, Jeff Lee, Local 986 business representative, warned the city the union members would go on strike Tuesday morning if the council imposed the 4% hike.

The union employees’ strike will occur before the start of Danish Days which will run from  Friday through Sunday to celebrate the community’s heritage.

“The council talked about staff and Danish Days…In case it hasn’t been made clear, and I know it has, when you guys went into (closed session) to make this decision, if this is imposed, the bargaining unit of 30 people will be on strike effective tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.,” Lee said Monday night.

Solvang city employees represented by Teamsters Local 986 speak at Monday night's City Council meeting, where leaders voted to impose a contract offer on the union.
Solvang city employees represented by Teamsters Local 986 speak at Monday night’s City Council meeting, where leaders voted to impose a contract offer on the union. Credit: Jack Dindia / Noozhawk photo

According to City Manager Randy Murphy, the current 4% cost-of-living increase exceeds the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, he cited a compensation study by the Regional Government Services Authority, which compared Solvang to 11 different agencies and found all but three city positions competitive with market value. 

Murphy noted recruitment problems prompted the study, with a utilities director position sitting vacant for 18 months despite a 15% salary increase, with internal candidates declining the role as their overtime paid better than the position. He said employees make as much as $5,000 a year in overtime, and on the higher end, up to $18,000.

“I’m not saying they don’t earn it, or that it’s not earned in that respect, but just pointing out that they’re not poorly paid,” Murphy said.

Lee disputed points made by Murphy, saying that candidates for the utilities director held certifications that “far outweigh the requirements,” and the director that was hired returned prior to management raises taking effect. 

He also told the council that the union’s economic proposals were all rejected, and that every money item in the package the council imposed, including the holiday closure the city presented, was proposed by management.

“Every economic proposal came from the city staff,” Lee said. “(The holiday closure) was not our idea. That was staff’s idea to propose that to us.”

Solvang worker Candice Lavera said she felt strongly she needed to speak on behalf of her fellow union members. 

“I’m sorry that we’re in this position. I don’t think any of us really wanted to go to strike, but we feel very strongly about our rights, about being valued and being listened to,” Lavera said.

Councilmember Mark Infanti said her comments “were particularly touching.” 

Solvang has 42 full-time equivalent staff, and 31 staff members belong to the Teamsters union, according to the city.

The imposed contract terms will take effect on Sept. 21, and will expire after one year. Staff told the council that the imposition will not affect further bargaining, and that the union could return to the table immediately to negotiate another agreement.

“The City of Solvang respects the Teamsters Local 986’s right to engage in protected actions and is committed to maintaining essential services during a work stoppage,” Uribe Mutal said in a statement late Monday.

Some Solvang services will continue “without interruption” including water and wastewater operations and emergency response, she said. Parks and recreation sites, including restrooms, will remain open.

Building plan reviews, inspections and welfare code enforcement will also continue, she said.

— Noozhawk staff writer Jack Dindia can be reached at jdindia@noozhawk.com.