SEIU protest Board of Supervisors budget meeting

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Hundreds of county workers formed a picket line to protest another Kern County Supervisors meeting that was set to discuss the budget for the next fiscal year.

According to members with SEIU 521, the union is in negotiations with the County after growing concerns of potential elimination of budgeted vacant positions.

Protestors exclaimed that if negotiations are not met and the plan moves forward, it could eliminate much-needed positions. The failed negotiations could delay vital services and resources and may intensify an increasing staffing crisis.

“We care about the community we live in, we care about the community we serve, and we need to get people to stay in Kern County and keep the job, so we can continue to serve the community properly because Kern County deserves better,” VP of Region 5, SEIU 521, Alicia Aleman said.

According to the group, the union is scheduled to meet with Kern officials again for negotiations in August.

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