Statement by SEIU 721 President Bob Schoonover on Court Issuing Temporary Restraining Order Barring Riverside County from Imposing ‘Last, Best and Final’ Offer

 

“Today’s decision by the Riverside Superior Court to issue a Temporary Restraining Order barring Riverside County from imposing its unreasonable “Last, Best, and Final” offer on SEIU 721 employees is a major victory for frontline workers and the key services they provide.

“After racking up an incredible 34 unfair labor practice charges throughout the bargaining process, Riverside County sought to impose an unacceptable “Last, Best, and Final” contract offer on County employees after unlawfully and prematurely declaring impasse at the negotiating table.

“From the start, Riverside County leadership has failed to engage in real negotiations with the County’s unions. As is detailed in the unfair practice charges filed against the County by SEIU Local 721, the County has committed countless labor law violations in an attempt to silence and intimidate frontline workers, culminating in its attempt to impose an unreasonable contract that shortchanges the vital public health and safety services Riverside County residents depend on.

“Even after a months-long fact-finding process, where an impartial fact-finder found in favor of Riverside County employees – recommending a fair deal that eliminates the County’s proposed takeaways and invests in the frontline services residents depend on – County leadership has refused to settle on a reasonable solution, choosing instead to waste precious taxpayer dollars on high-priced attorneys and legal maneuvering.

“We hope that today’s decision by the Riverside Superior Court sends a much-needed wakeup call to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors: it’s time to return to the negotiating table to hammer out a fair deal that champions the vital services Riverside County residents depend on.”

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Contact:

Coral Itzcalli, (213) 321-7332

 

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