UPEC Business Manager Reacts to Shasta Board of Supervisors Meeting Today

REDDING HQ – In an effort to get the attention of the Shasta County Board of Supervisors over 200 UPEC members filled and overfilled the Board of Supervisors Chamber this morning. Approximately eighteen 18 County employees stood up and spoke to the Board.

“I am proud to represent the hard working employees of Shasta County and I am honored to speak on their behalf”, said UPEC Business Manager Chris Darker in an opening statement this morning. Darker called for the Board to give their Negotiator the flexibility to put a deal together today so that County workers can go to work tomorrow.   

UPEC members kept on message about fairness and safety throughout their hour long presentations. At a point near the end of the presentation, Chairman David Kehoe allowed County Administrative Officer Larry Lees to address some of the comments made by UPEC members. Lees rebuffed what his employees had to say about safety and emphasized just how important that issue was to him and the County. And the Fee only charged to the lowest paid, he said they actually need more money to pay the bill as it has increased over the years. Lees spoke to the Board while avoiding any contact with the employees. UPEC members gasped at Lees comments and nearly half walked out of the meeting while Lees was still speaking.

“It is real apparent to the employees that Mr. Lees has no connection with them. Lees comes off as a Corporate Executive who has no compassion or understanding of those who work under his command. The underlying tone of his message was condesending and insulting to our members ”, said Darker. UPEC staff work on employee issues in Shasta County every day. "We know their struggles both with the  work load and politics, and their personal finances. We also know that no matter what happens in the workplace they are committed to the citizens they serve. They aren’t complaining about their pay, they are complaining about fairness and safety. Lees just doesn’t get it and isn’t hearing that message”, said Darker.

UPEC Chief Negotiator Steve Allen and Chris Darker scheduled a meeting with County negotiators tomorrow to try and put a deal together and personally asked Lees this morning following the open session to be there and help get a settlement. Lees declined.