Imperial County workers hold demonstration strike ahead of Board of Supervisors meeting
Adrik Vargas
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Imperial County workers took to the streets Tuesday, holding a demonstration strike ahead of the Board of Supervisors meeting.
The union is holding firm on its demand for a 10% raise over two years, but the county is only offering 6%, split between 2025 and 2026.
Last week, workers rejected that offer and now they say a full strike could happen as soon as Wednesday if no progress is made.
“People’s benefits are going to be affected, or even stopped at some point, because there’s not gonna be someone to determine the benefits,” said Laura Hernandez, an employee for the county.
This means services like Medi-Cal, food stamps, and cash aid could be delayed if workers walk off the job.
Another employee said that could especially impact foster families and vulnerable children.
“It’ll be a disservice to foster youth,” said Jaquelyn Torres, who helps issue benefits for foster parents and youth.
Other workers say the rising cost of living is making it nearly impossible to make ends meet on their current wages.
“Medication, MRIs, X-rays…you can only see this doctor so many times. Your medication costs… I have to pay a lot in medication. So to me..you know, come on county, give us a little bit more,” said Donna Bennedict.
“The cost of living, the gas prices are gonna be going up. Three percent is not worth it when you talk about the person on the bottom line. That’s not even enough,” she added.