More than 465 union workers represented by Teamsters Local 952 initiated a strike on Tuesday morning after failing to reach a contract agreement with Orange County. The work stoppage officially commenced at 4 a.m. Tuesday, with members beginning to picket at 6 a.m. at various county locations.
The striking employees work across Orange County Public Works, Orange County Waste & Recycling, Orange County Community Resources, and other county operations. Union officials cautioned that the strike could lead to delays in essential services such as road and flood channel maintenance, landfill operations, parks and beach maintenance, and repairs to county and first responder vehicles. According to the union, these services are utilized by over 3 million Orange County residents.
Orange County officials responded to the strike threat on Thursday, stating that contingency plans were in place to ensure the continuity of essential services. The county released a statement affirming its respect for the right of its employees to engage in "lawful strike activity under California law" and reiterating its priority to minimize service disruptions.
Union officials expressed frustration with the pace of contract negotiations, asserting that the county had failed to pursue a fair agreement. They indicated that Teamsters officials called for bargaining to commence as early as December 2025, more than six months before the previous agreement's expiration. The union began submitting proposals in March but alleged that the county did not make meaningful progress toward an agreement until August. Consequently, the union filed an unfair labor practice charge, accusing the county of bad-faith bargaining. According to the union, these delays have resulted in lost wages for workers, as the county has reportedly declined to provide retroactive pay as part of a new agreement.
Eric Jimenez, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 952, stated that the county's approach, characterized by "months of delays and a complete disregard for the workers," compelled members to strike. He emphasized the union's commitment to securing a fair contract, arguing against the erosion of public services due to a lack of investment in county employees.
The union also highlighted that this contract dispute follows a decision by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to increase their own salaries by 25% in previous months. This adjustment, approximately $49,000 annually per supervisor, reportedly brought their yearly salaries to more than $244,000. The county's earlier statement did not directly address the union's specific allegations regarding the pace of negotiations or the issue of retroactive pay.
A news conference by union officials was scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday outside the County Administration Building in Santa Ana, coinciding with a meeting of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Teamsters spokesperson Christian Castro stated that the Board of Supervisors would present a proposal to the union following a closed session meeting later on Tuesday.
