Fairfield County members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021 started their second strike in two months recently, claiming there has been illegal conduct in contract negotiations.

Their strike has included at least one rally, where they spoke of their frustration with the process and stated they are willing to attempt mediation to resolve the problems. Signs at the rally stated “Pay your bills,” and No contract, no peace.” According to representatives to the union, they are hoping a mediator would bring positivity to the process and their only concern is for the well-being of their members.

Union members are hopeful but cautious. They are open to the idea of mediating, but state the county must be willing to engage in good faith negotiations. They view mediation is a lateral step instead of a leap forward in resolving the dispute. Mediators cannot force anyone to do anything, so unless both sides are willing to negotiate and compromise, the process will go nowhere.

One of the main concerns of the union members is their share of pension costs. They claim the county refuses to even discuss the issue and expect too much from the union members. Said one spokesperson for union members, “All we want is for them to pick up their share and bargain fairly. Our goal is not to be out here. We’ve got the holidays coming.”

Issues between the union and county concern pension costs and health care benefits. Workers were offered a proposal that included wage increases of 3% in 2015 and 2016, and allows employees to keep their current county health insurance and cafeteria plan contributions. Increases would occur in 2016 and 2017.