Politics & Government
Rep. Khanna Joins Striking Santa Clara Co. Picketers On 2nd Day
While Santa Clara Co. residents may see delays in services during ongoing union worker strike, most government offices remain open.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna joined the picket lines of striking county workers Thursday amid contentious labor negotiations between the county and Service Employees International Union Local 521.
"We can afford to do right by our kids. We can afford to do right by our seniors. We can afford to do right by those who are disabled. And we can afford to pay people a living wage so they can live here," Khanna told striking SEIU Local 521 workers Thursday afternoon outside the California Children's Services Chandler Tripp Medical Therapy Unit in San Jose.
"I hope that the county will listen," Khanna said. "I'm going to stand with you as long as this goes on because you're fighting for the right thing. Thank you for being out here."
Find out what's happening in Campbellfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Hundreds of Santa Clara County health care workers walked off the job Thursday morning to join other county workers who are striking for a second day.
Union workers with Service Employees International Union Local 521 have for months been asking the county to address alleged unfair labor practices and understaffing throughout county offices. Health care workers, including administrative staff, mental health providers, homeless program specialists and other staff, joined employees in other county departments who had started striking Wednesday.
Find out what's happening in Campbellfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"When the county decided to unlawfully reorganize the Department of Family and Children's Services without bargaining with the workers, it was a clear example that they were not interested in coming to an agreement that benefits our residents," Riko Mendez, SEIU Local 521 Chief Elected Officer, said in a statement Thursday.
County officials have said most facilities will remain open during the strike, although some services may be delayed, postponed or consolidated. An update on what services are affected can be found at www.sccgov.org/strikeupdate.
"The county's priority is to continue to provide essential services to our community, not to make a profit. The county's healthcare system and social services programs serve some of the most vulnerable residents in our community," County Executive Jeffrey Smith said in a statement Thursday.
"The county's proposal for SEIU employees provides a fair wage and an equitable contract that will allow the county to sustain services for those who need them most," Smith said.
