On Sept. 17, 2014, SEIU Local 721 and the County of Santa Barbara reached an agreement that will increase the pay by 5% for all social workers and career employment specialists in the county. The Board voted 4-1 to approve this wage adjustment during its Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct.7.
After several months of lobbying, ride-a-longs, holding membership meetings and rallies, testifying in front of the County Board of Supervisors and bargaining, we sent a clear message that we deserve better wages.
“This is a big step in the right direction to help retain the best social workers and CES’s for our community. It’s time to ride this momentum and address other wage inequities.”-SEIU 721 County of Santa Barbara Bargaining Committee
Keeping the best
Since the last time Santa Barbara County workers went to the Board, three social workers have left for other counties. Eduardo Ozeta, SEIU 721 chapter board president, and eligibility worker, brought this to the attention of the board this past Tuesday.
“We believe that the wage adjustments before you today is a big step in the right direction to attract and keep professional, passionate, highly skilled social workers and CESs right here in Santa Barbara County,” Ozeta said. “Even though this increase will not affect me directly as an eligibility worker, I know it will benefit our entire community, which is our shared goal.”
For questions, contact worksite organizer Lupe Montaño at lupe.montano@seiu721.org.