Sacramento County workers demand higher wages during single-day strike
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- Sacramento County workers held a one-day strike demanding higher pay.
- Union leaders cited rising living costs and stagnant wages as key strike drivers.
- County pledged to keep offices open; workers warned of future strikes if ignored.
More than 3,000 Sacramento County workers went on strike Tuesday morning urging the Board of Supervisors to raise employee wages.
County workers from several county divisions, including the Department of Child, Family and Adult Services, filled the chambers and outside of its administrative offices downtown. Represented by United Public Employees, county workers are demanding a 4% to 5% raise to match the growing cost of living in the region, according to previous Bee reporting.
Tuesday’s strike was the largest demonstration for county workers since 2006, according to a UPE news release. Workers from nearly every county office were affected by the strike, according to UPE.
The one-day strike was a demonstration that county workers will not “tolerate the county’s concessions,” said Ted Somera, executive director of UPE. He added that workers are deeply concerned about changes and increases to health care co-pay.
“We’re striking today to send a message to the Board of Supervisors and to the county executive that our members deserve a livable wage, that they need to keep their hands on for health care,” Somera said.
In a public statement released Tuesday afternoon, Sacramento County stated it “appreciates the dedication of all (of its) staff members.”
“(County workers’) hard work ensures vital services for our community,” the statement read. “While the strike is ongoing, County offices will remain open and services will continue.”
Employees who have worked for the county for decades said they have not received an equitable raise and struggle to meet the cost of living in Sacramento, Somera said. Many, like Keisha Brann, said they’ve struggled to pay rent, make ends meet financially and have picked up a second job to afford the cost of living.
“I’m still assisting the community, but (the county is) not finding a way to provide finances to us,” said Brann, who works in the Department of Human Assistance. “It’s disrespectful. It’s literally a slap in the face.”
Yolanda Augustine, who has worked in Sacramento County’s Adult Corrections department since 2000, said her wage has only increased by $7 since she was hired. Since then, Augustine said her health has deteriorated, and she cannot afford a retirement because of the lack of a raise she’s received. Augustine said she needs to enter retirement to address her health needs.
“I’m drowning. I need help,” Augustine said. “I never get help. So now that my health has declined, I have to retire.”
County workers filled nearly every seat in the county chambers and flooded the lobby of its administrative offices. During the Board of Supervisors meeting, county workers directly addressed the supervisors, urging them to agree to the union’s negotiations.
“What about us?” asked Cynthia Pickard, who works for the county’s Children’s Services. “Don’t you care about compassion? Don’t you care about us? We are the face of the county.”
Within county chambers, employees began chanting “UPE!” at the board, resulting in a 10-minute recess called by Chair Phil Serna, who joined the meeting from Zoom. During roll call, Serna said he decided to join via telecast to “not cross the picket line.” Supervisor Patrick Kennedy was absent.
“I’m attempting to respect that and will continue not to cross any picket lines for their duration,” Serna said.
The strike will end Wednesday. Somera said they the union has not been called back to the negotiation, but that workers will strike again if demands aren’t met.
This story was originally published July 8, 2025 at 1:04 PM.
