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Hundreds of court employees have been working without a contract since September, according to the union representing them. On Tuesday they took took to the streets of Downtown Sacramento to have their voices heard.
“We’ve been negotiating since April of this year. Our contract expired in the end of September,” explained United Public Employees' Executive Director, Ted Somera. “The proposal on the table for the next upcoming year from the court is going to be far less than what the projected cost of living increase to be here in the western region.”
United Public Employees is the union representing the coworkers, and Somera told ABC10 they employees are asking for a livable wage increase and better working conditions.
“We’re not here to get rich. We’re not here to shut down the halls of justice," Somera explained. "We’re here demanding that livable wage – we want our members to continue to purchase milk for their families, to put gas in their cars, and pay the high cost of rent in the Sacramento region."
The workers on strike include courtroom reporters, accountants, and courtroom clerks.
“I’m one of those employees who has over 1,000 hours of sick leave. I’m always here," said Geri Bradford-Hill. "I have a few hundred hours of vacation, so it’s very hard. I’m very dedicated. I love coming to work and so do my coworkers."
In the 30 years that-Bradford-Hill has been a courtroom clerk, she explains this is the first time she felt the need to participate in a strike.
“We’ve tried every avenue to avoid this situation. This is our last resort and we hope to get back to the table as soon as possible,” Bradford-Hill said.
The courts opened as usual on Tuesday, however several services were impacted by the strike, said Kim Pederson, spokesperson for the Sacramento Superior Court.
Pederson told ABC10 those who need to go to court may experience longer lines and increased wait times.
“Customer service is most delayed due to the skeletal workforce,” Pederson explained.
In response to the picket, Pederson said, “The contract offer to UPE Office Technical Unit is fair and consistent with other trial courts and the County of Sacramento.”
It is still unclear if there will be another strike on Wednesday.
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