On January 13, 2026, approximately 2,000 public service workers in Solano County initiated a two-day strike, citing stalled contract negotiations and chronic understaffing.

Employees from various departments, including health and human services, public works, and libraries, gathered outside county buildings in Fairfield, Vallejo, Vacaville, and Cordelia to voice their concerns.

Richard Livingston Jr., a supervisor at Solano County Older and Disabled Adult Services with 26 years of service, emphasized the unprecedented unity among the workers.

"So you have workers, supervisors, managers; you have physicians; you have custodial; you have professional, technical; all these folks are here together," Livingston stated.

He further highlighted the financial struggles faced by employees, noting, "There’s a lot of people who work here in Solano County who said they can’t afford to live here now."

Linda Cheesman, a supervisor in the General Services department, pointed out the strain caused by numerous vacant positions, leading to delayed services and overburdened staff.

"County workers want to help build a Solano for all, but we need the county to meet us with a fair and equitable contract so we can attract and retain the staff our community relies on," Cheesman stated.

The striking workers are represented by four unions: Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 21, International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 39, and the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD).

Despite bargaining separate contracts, the unions share common demands, including better retention rates and recruitment efforts to address chronic understaffing.

Elizabeth Harrison, a social worker and member of SEIU Local 1021, stressed the importance of fully staffed, safe, and reliable public services.

"If we cannot get retention and recruitment under control, then what we have is as many people come in the front door to be hired as people go out the back door. They leave," Harrison explained.

She also highlighted the impact of vacant positions on employees, leading to unmanageable caseloads and increased burnout, while clients experience longer wait times for care.

"When we have positions like mine, or in public works or agriculture, the chronic understaffing puts all of us at risk," Harrison added.

The unions are advocating for higher wages and better benefits to attract and retain employees, thereby improving the quality of public services.

Tazamisha Alexander, a benefits eligibility specialist and union negotiator, expressed frustration over the county's approach to negotiations.

"The county hasn’t really negotiated anything," Alexander said. "The previous contract, there was a back-and-forth. We talked about things. That’s why we didn’t have to go out. This time around, it’s just been a bunch of no."

In response, the county stated it has offered a proposal including salary increases, higher insurance contributions, and additional benefits totaling over $90 million.

The county emphasized the need to balance fair compensation with fiscal sustainability and the maintenance of essential services.

During the strike, some county services experienced delays or closures.

The Department of Health and Human Services remained open for emergency responses, but appointments were rescheduled, and some services were delayed.

Lynch Canyon Open Space and Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space were closed, while other parks remained open.

The Fairfield Civic Center Library operated with reduced hours, and other locations were closed.

Contract negotiations are ongoing, and both parties may return to the bargaining table at any time.

"What we’re looking to do is make sure that we have real movement and real respect at the bargaining table, and we have not experienced that from our employer here at Solano County," Harrison concluded.