SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Local 521 has announced that Kern County workers are planning to go on another strike for two days on June 3 and 4 to protest low wages, critical staff shortages, and what they say are broken promises by county leaders.

Back in March, Kern County workers held their first-ever countywide strike. They’re now preparing to strike again unless the County addresses the issues and fixes labor violations, the union said. 

“What taxpayers truly can’t afford is the County’s ongoing pattern of underinvesting in vital services,” said Alicia Aleman, a social worker and SEIU chapter president in the press release.

Since the last strike, employees have continued to protest, warning that the staffing crisis is putting the public at risk. Especially Child Protective Services (CPS), where the union claimed a recent grand jury report found children and families are being hurt by the shortages.

The union said some workers recently met with Supervisor Leticia Perez and have her support, but they said more action is needed.

“Within the past month, some of (my Kern County colleagues) met with Supervisor Leticia Perez, and we’re grateful she listened. Now we need all five Supervisors to lead. Make a deal. Fix this crisis. Stand up for workers and the public we serve,” said Lea Hartdige, a CPS Social Worker.