Public employees protest County

A labor union has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Riverside County after months of talks between the county and several public employee unions who have not yielded new contracts.

“Essentially they’re breaking the law every time we sit down at the table with them we get nowhere and it’s continually unfair labor practices they just won’t bargain in good faith with us,” said Georgine Trujillo, a political organizer.

A key goal for county negotiators is to limit raises guaranteed to union members.

In the last round of deals, the county agreed to pay hikes in exchange for employees paying more toward their retirement and accepting lesser pension benefits for new hires.

If new deals are not struck, it’s possible the county could declare an impasse and impose terms on unionized employees.