Solvang city workers strike officially ends as City Council ratifies Teamster agreement

Employees get 6% Cost of Living Adjustment in first year, 5% and 4% adjustments, respectively, in subsequent years

The City of Solvang and Teamsters Local 986 announced Oct. 15 that they reached a tentative agreement, resolving the dispute that led to the recent work stoppage. A city press release stated the parties reached the agreement at the bargaining table on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Members of Teamsters Local 986 soon after approved and ratified the tentative agreement, which was ratified by the City Council at its Monday, Oct. 26 meeting.

The terms of the agreement were released at the meeting, with employees being given a three-year contract with Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) of 6%, 5% and 4% along with re-inserting the holiday week closure, between Christmas and New Year's Day.

The union had requested the COLAs retroactive to Sept. 21; however, the ratified agreement had the COLA taking effect on Sept. 15, the day employees came back to work. The agreement also mandated the dismissal with prejudice of the unfair labor practice charges the union had filed during the strike.

Both the city and the union thank the city's employees for their daily work in service to this community and for their dedication throughout a difficult process. They also thank Solvang's residents, businesses, and visitors for their patience throughout the dispute.

“This is good news for our employees and our community,” said Mayor David Brown. “We are grateful to everyone who helped us get here, and we are glad to move forward together in service to Solvang.”

Jeff Lee, a business representative for Teamsters Local 986, praised the workers for their dedication throughout the contract dispute.

“This agreement is a testament to the determination and solidarity of the hardworking men and women who serve the City of Solvang," he said. "For nearly a month, these employees stood together, not just for themselves, but for the principle that public service deserves to be valued and respected. I could not be prouder of our members for their courage, their commitment to one another, and their willingness to stand up for what they believe in. We appreciate the city’s willingness to work toward a resolution and look forward to moving ahead together with a renewed commitment to the employees and the community they proudly serve.”

With an agreement in place, both parties will focus on rebuilding the working relationship in service of the Solvang community, the city statement said.

The resolution of the dispute came 29 days after 31 city workers walked off the job Sept. 15 over what they considered insufficient cost-of-living increases.

The strike happened after several months of negotiations dating back to April of this year. According to a report submitted by Solvang Assistant City Attorney Dave Fleishman, the city and union met on at least eight occasions beginning in April, with each party exchanging proposals for a new labor agreement. The last labor agreement with the union expired on June 30.

Despite multiple proposals from each party, the parties were unable to reach agreement, and on June 24, the city presented the union its last, best, final offer (LBFO). The city’s LBFO consisted of a three-year agreement, with cost-of-living increases of 4% each year of the agreement, and equity adjustments recommended for three positions in an independent compensation and class study prepared by Regional Government Services. The union countered with a 6% raise.

After the sides couldn't agree on the numbers on Sept. 14, the city put the matter up to a public hearing at the Monday, Sept. 14, meeting, which saw the City Council pass a one-year 4% raise with a unanimous vote.

The workers then walked off the job the next day, picketing in front of Solvang Park, as well as in front of the City Council Chambers entrance and Parks and Rec building. The workers even marched as official entrants in the Danish Days Parade on Sept. 19.

An attempt to end the strike on Friday, Oct. 2, after a 6-5-4 (6% increase first year, 5% second, and 4% third) was voted down by the workers. The union requested 6-6-6.

At the subsequent City Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 12, City Attorney Chelsea O'Sullivan announced that the council granted add authority to negotiators, and directed them to proceed with additional talks. The deal was reached two days later.