Contract Negotiations: How County and Court Workers Keep SLO County Moving Forward
Every day, the employees of San Luis Obispo County and the Superior Court show up to do the work that keeps our community running. From public health to public safety, airports to roads, social services to environmental protection—our members provide the backbone of government services that touch every single resident of San Luis Obispo County and the Court system. Yet, while the public often sees the outcomes of your work, they rarely see the mounting challenges County and Court employees face behind the scenes.
Staffing Shortages and Increased Workload
It’s no secret that our county, like many across California, is struggling with staffing shortages. Vacancies remain unfilled for months, forcing remaining staff to shoulder a heavier workload. Departments are stretched thin, and the people who keep services running are burning the candle at both ends. Whether you’re a Clinician managing an unmanageable caseload, a Public Health Nurse navigating endless community needs, or an Employment Resources Specialist trying to process participant applications with half the staff you once had—the pressure is real and constant.
These shortages don’t just affect you as employees; they affect the public. When there aren’t enough hands-on deck, wait times for services increase, safety nets fray, and vital programs slow down. Yet, despite these obstacles, our members continue to show incredible dedication and professionalism, ensuring that the people living in San Luis Obispo County still receive the care, support and services they deserve.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
What stands out most is the resilience of this workforce. County and Court employees don’t show up simply for a paycheck but serve because they care deeply about our community. Time and again, we have seen our members rise to meet challenges—whether it was keeping essential services running through the pandemic or filling gaps when colleagues retire, leave or are laid off.
This commitment deserves recognition. Too often, the conversation focuses on “budget deficits”, “financial shortfall”, or an economic “Pain-Plan,” while the reality is that the County and Court continue to function only because of the commitment of its workforce. The public should know, and our leaders should remember, that government doesn’t run on spreadsheets and management—it runs on the front-line staff that keep the County going by providing the services to the public that they expect to receive.
SLOCEA’s Role in Advocating for Solutions
SLOCEA has been raising these concerns loudly and consistently. Staffing shortages, excessive workloads, and stagnant wages are not just workplace issues, they are public service issues. If the County and Court cannot recruit and retain enough qualified employees, the quality of service to residents will inevitably decline.
We continue to press leadership for competitive wages and fair benefits that will attract and keep skilled professionals here in San Luis Obispo County. Other counties and cities are offering stronger packages, and we cannot afford to lose talented employees to surrounding jurisdictions. By investing in its workforce, the County and Court invest directly in the well-being of its community.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead during this negotiating cycle, we remain committed to advocating for every member who works tirelessly to keep this county strong. Our message to leadership is clear: investing in employees is not optional, it is essential. The community depends on you, and you deserve a wage reflective of the cost of living in SLO County, healthcare benefits to address the rising costs of premiums, and take-home pay that affords employees the opportunity to cover household costs and get ahead financially.
To our members: Thank you for your dedication, your perseverance, and your commitment to public service. You are the heart of San Luis Obispo County and the Superior Court, and together we will continue to fight for the equitable wages, improved benefits and the recognition you deserve.
Theresa Schultz
Senior Labor Representative
