Utility Workers, Seeking Modest Raise, Hold Sickout
Utility workers called in sick Wednesday in an apparent job action against the city over the absence of a contract.
Officials of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 47, which represents about 185 city water and electrical workers, said at least 160 employees failed to show up for work.
City officials placed the number at 88 workers in the utilities department, which includes water, electric and customer service employees. They said they didn’t know how many Anaheim Convention Center union workers also called in sick.
Union representative Stan Stosel said the sickout was not a sanctioned action.
Utility workers have received a onetime 3% pay raise over the last five years and are now asking for a modest pay increase, Stosel said.
Utilities spokeswoman Cara Stewart said the department had contract crews available to services. City and union officials said contract negotiations will continue and employees are expected to return to work today.
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