Over 465 union workers began a strike Tuesday in Orange County, potentially disrupting essential government services for residents after failing to reach a contract agreement with the county. Members of Teamsters Local 952 initiated picketing at 6 a.m. following the official start of their strike at 4 a.m. The striking employees work across Orange County Public Works, Orange County Waste & Recycling, Orange County Community Resources, and other county operations. Union officials planned an 11 a.m. news conference outside the County Administration Building in Santa Ana, coinciding with the Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting.
The union warns that the strike could cause significant delays to critical public services. These include road and flood channel maintenance, landfill operations, maintenance for parks and beaches, and repairs to county and first responder vehicles. According to Teamsters officials, these disruptions could affect services relied upon by more than 3 million Orange County residents.
Orange County officials addressed the strike threat last Thursday, stating that contingency plans were in place to maintain essential services. In a statement, the county affirmed, “We respect the rights of our dedicated employees to engage in lawful strike activity under California law.” The statement continued, “Our priority remains ensuring the continuity of essential public services for our residents. We have contingency plans in place to minimize service disruptions.” The county’s statement did not address the union’s specific allegations regarding the pace of negotiations or retroactive pay.
Teamsters Local 952 officials expressed continued frustration on Monday regarding the pace of contract negotiations, accusing the county of failing to secure a fair agreement. Eric Jimenez, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 952, stated that union members were "forced to walk off the job to fight for the respect and fair contract they deserve." Jimenez added, "We cannot allow the erosion of our public services because the County refuses to invest in the workers who provide them. Our members are united, and we will not back down until we win a fair contract." Christian Castro, a spokesperson for the Teamsters, indicated that the Orange County Board of Supervisors informed the union they would have a proposal after the board's closed session on Tuesday.
The union alleges that the county demonstrated a "complete disregard for the workers who keep Orange County running." According to Teamsters officials, they called on the county to begin bargaining as early as December 2025, more than six months before the previous agreement was set to expire. The union further stated they began submitting proposals in March but allege the county did not make meaningful movement toward an agreement until August. This perceived lack of progress led the union to file an unfair labor practice charge, alleging bad-faith bargaining by the county.
A major point of contention for the union is the alleged refusal by the county to provide retroactive pay as part of a new agreement. According to the union, these months of delays have cost workers wages they will not be able to recover. The contract dispute also comes months after the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to increase their own salaries by 25%. This increase amounts to approximately $49,000 per supervisor annually, raising their annual salaries to more than $244,000. Union officials pointed out this decision in the context of the ongoing contract dispute and the county's stance on worker compensation.
The striking workers and county officials both acknowledge the potential for significant impact on daily life for Orange County residents, with the union maintaining its resolve to continue the strike until a fair contract is secured.