Imperial County– The fight for fair wages and equal representation characterizes the current struggle of Teamsters Local 542 against Imperial County, as the union demands higher pay for its members over the next two years.
Imperial County workers are composed of over 1,000 unionized Teamsters and are considered essential to the function of local government and county services.
The most recent development took place on Wednesday, July 9, when the teamsters rejected Imperial County’s wage increase offer for a second time, turning down the County’s offer of a 6% raise over two years (3% in 2025 and 3% in 2026).
After the vote, The Desert Review had an opportunity to speak with Ruth Duarte, Business Agent for Teamsters Union Local 542. She said, “Yes, we voted for the second time, and the members rejected their offer again. This is our second time rejecting their offer.”
Duarte then explained that after the first rejection, the County asked to negotiate again. During this negotiating period, the union made a counterproposal, differing from their first proposal of a 10% increase per year, for two years, totaling a 20% wage increase.
The union lowered their demand by a total of 10%, this time asking for 5% increase in the first year, and a 5% increase in the second year. However, the county was not swayed and stuck to their original proposal of 3% in 2025 and 3% in 2026.
Backlash and Threats
After the County refused to submit to the union’s demands, they were met with backlash and threats during the July 8 meeting.
“You have to stop paying exorbitant wages to top-level positions and feed the poor,” said Patricia Carillo, a Brawley resident.
“We are the backbone of this county, all of us here,” said County employee and union member Charlene Valle.
Valle was referring to the fact that their union represents the Department of Public Works, Planning and Development Services, Public Health Department, and General Administration offices, such as Human Resources, Finance, and the Clerk of the Board.
Valle ended her public comment with a threat that if the County does not succumb to their demands, “they are ready to strike.”
What to Expect?
Although the struggle has seemingly escalated, it’s not time to strike yet, as there’s a process that first needs to be fulfilled. Duarte explained that before they can strike, they have to go through a process that aligns with the laws of the public sector.
“Because it’s the public sector, we have to go through an impasse, mediation, and fact-finding,” she explained. “Once we do that process, then, if there is no resolution at that point, our last resort is to strike.”
Duarte shared that if the strike does take place, it will be in August close to September, but that from now until then, there’s an opportunity to avoid the strike.
“And during the mediation, the mediator tries and recommends something that both sides can agree on,” she said.
“We know the county has the money, I mean, they keep spending money left and right, but they don’t invest in the employees.”
In an email, District 02 Board of Directors Martha Singh said that Brenda Olivias and Ruth Duarte are scheduled to meet Monday, July 14, and that CEO Dr. Lang has been asked to join the discussion.