Monterey County Workers Continue to Stage ‘Sickout’

Another 200 unionized Monterey County workers called in sick again Thursday, bringing the total number of workers involved in a three-day “sickout” strike to 600, a spokesman said.

Members of the Monterey County Employees Assn. said the action was aimed at protesting stalled contract talks with the county. Workers sought a 4% wage increase, while the county’s best offer was 2%.

Union officials said the rotating sickouts could become permanent if an agreement is not reached at the next bargaining session set for today.

The sickout has targeted different county departments each day and has involved a total of 600 employees--40% of the work force, a spokesman said.

The third day targeted the agricultural commissioner’s office, the Probation Department and the Employment Training Department, a spokesman said. About 40 agricultural inspectors called in sick, hampering the county’s ability to inspect produce shipments.