As the Solvang labor union strike began its third week, both parties still seemed unable to find common ground, with Monday’s City Council meeting raising questions of trust and confidentiality.

Since Sept. 15, Solvang city workers have been on an indefinite strike after the City Council unanimously voted to impose its final contract offer of a one-year, 4% cost-of-living increase after five months of failed negotiations with Teamsters Local 986.

Monday’s City Council meeting coincided with the end of the labor action’s second week, and tensions were high as striking workers and local residents spoke before the elected officials went into closed session.

Speakers commented on the contrast between the imposed offer and the recent salary hikes for management positions, which ranged from a 33% to 42% increase, according to union members. 

Union members argued that a 4% raise doesn’t keep pace with inflation in the Santa Ynez Valley. Additionally, union members raised concerns that these failed negotiations will drive away experienced staff who hold institutional knowledge.

“When you lose experienced employees, you lose institutional knowledge, specialized skills and people who understand this community and how the city operates,” union member Jennifer Cabello said. “Is Solvang supposed to be an entry-level city where employees gain experience and then have to leave to find a wage that reflects their skills?”

Following closed session, the city issued a report stating their lead negotiator contacted Teamsters’ representatives on Friday to offer meeting times for this week, and are awaiting a request from the union to resume negotiations.

In response to public comment, City Manager Randy Murphy defended the salary adjustments to management and the imposed offer. He noted that average represented employees earn $75,000 annually along with $38,000 in benefits, and that the union was “striking over $30 a month.”

“They are receiving a fair wage, and the comparison to what’s going on with the management staff is apples and oranges,” Murphy said. “It is fair and balanced, and it’s unfortunate that they’ve chosen to go on strike.”

Last Thursday, the city of Solvang sent a press release reassuring residents that City Hall and other municipal services remain open and operational. The press release also stated that the union originally proposed a 52% wage increase, followed by a 28% increase, which were both denied by the city. 

After the union rejected a 12% three-year increase, the city imposed a 4% boost for the first year only, denying the Teamsters counter-offer for a 16% hike over three years. In the press release, the city accused the union of breaching confidentiality by publicizing the 16% increase offer.

In a press release sent on Tuesday morning, Teamsters refuted the city’s claim, contending no confidentiality agreement existed. They also argued that the city is operating on a “skeleton crew” and that it is “factually inaccurate” that city operations are continuing as normal.

Teamsters also disputed the city’s willingness to negotiate in good faith. Representatives alleged that Murphy “threatened” striking employees with modifications to health insurance benefits during the work stoppage. 

In response, Assistant to the City Manager Olivia Uribe-Mutal said represented employees’ health coverage has not been altered, and would not be as a result of the strike.

“The city’s focus remains on its employees and the residents it serves, and its negotiating team is scheduled to return to the table with the union (Wednesday) morning,” Uribe-Mutal said.

Both parties have agreed that a negotiated settlement is the only viable path forward. Murphy said the door remains open for negotiations whenever the union wants to meet.

Workers and community members continue to press for the salary gap to be closed to restore city operations.

“Supporting our employees is supporting our community, and retaining experienced staff is essential to that,” fifth-generation Solvang resident Marian Bates said during public comment, showing support for the union. “I respectfully ask all of you to please listen to these people, recognize their value, and give serious consideration to what they have raised.”

Aaron Petersen, owner of the Chomp of Solvang restaurant, discussed how the strike affects the community.

“[The strike is] not hurting business yet, but it gives us a black eye. It makes us just feel a little bit less united,” Petersen said. “All I’m saying is that if we could all, sit in a room, get it compromised, get it done, [we could] move on.”