County workers fight for fair pay

A contract dispute has been going on for the past year and a half between the county and some of its workers. These included the clerical, technical, craft labor and trade.

Today at the Imperial County Administration Center, workers continue to protest for fair pay. Unions leaders in a letter to their members said they’re insulted by the county’s counteroffer.

A counteroffer of just 1.5 percent base wage adjustment for the next three years is not what the union had in mind.

“And their frustrated. There’s really a lot of people out there that don’t want to wake up and come to work. And it’s not due to their work load. It’s that they’re not being heard by management to do something about it,” said Ruth Duarte, Teamsters’ business agent.

Ryan Kelley, Supervisor District 4 said an increase in wages depends on the economic revenue of the county. “We have to look at the overall health of the county. If the county is not in a situation to meet what they’re requesting, then we have to go in the path that’s gonna remain, the county of Imperial solvent, and successful for all the citizens of the Imperial County.”

Duarte said if they can’t come to an agreement, drastic measures will be taken. “I hope that we can come to a medium at least. I mean that’s negotiations, you give and take. But when you’re not being offered anything, you know you gotta continue with rallies, and stuff and possibly go on strike.”

Kelley said that negotiations are still on going.