County UPEC Members Will Begin Strike May 1st As Negotiations Stall

Neither a Shasta County workers union nor county administrators are showing any signs of relenting in a labor impasse. The UPEC Unit, representing about a Thousand county employees, has declared “full speed ahead” on it’s intention to strike May First through the 12th. In a statement, the union cited as an example an office assistant position that would get a 2.5% raise, but changes to benefits contributions would bring a 7% net reduction in take home pay. The county says supervisors have offered 7% raises and benefits that include a 3% longevity stipend, an extra day off and more. Negotiations have been underway since September for a contract that expired in December. The county says that during the strike there may be some inconveniences and delayed services, but all county offices will remain open.