Teamsters Local 856 Prepares for Strike Amid Contract Negotiations

Contra Costa County Faces Potential Labor Stoppage Amid Contract Negotiations

Contact Information: Matt Finnegan | Phone: (707) 272-3415 | Email: MFinnegan@ibt856.org

(MARTINEZ, Calif.) — Over 2,000 workers in Contra Costa County, represented by Teamsters Local 856, are gearing up for a possible strike after an overwhelming majority voted in favor of this measure. These employees, specializing in over 250 job categories, work in essential public sectors such as health services, general services, maintenance, and licensed vocational nursing.

Negotiations have been ongoing for months, with Teamsters pushing for a fair compensation framework that aligns with neighboring regions. The current contract expired on June 30. Matt Finnegan, Director of Public Services and Chief Negotiator for Local 856, remarked, “Contra Costa County has consistently lagged behind neighboring jurisdictions when it comes to compensation. We are simply asking the county to implement a long-term plan that addresses these inequities to ensure that the best qualified workers can afford to serve the public. We’re hopeful we will reach an agreement and avert a strike that would impact services countywide.”

Discussions between Teamsters and county officials are scheduled to resume on July 28.

Teamsters Local 856, founded in 1949, is linked with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, boasting a membership of 1.3 million. Over time, Local 856 has grown into one of California's largest Teamster locals with over 20,000 members. For more information, visit teamsters856.org.