San Rafael, CA – With a three-day labor strike looming, the County of Marin has created a contingency plan to support ongoing work projects and minimize service impacts for residents during a planned July 1-3 employee walkout.
For the most part only critical or life-safety related services will be available during a strike by the Marin Association of Public Employees (MAPE), which represents approximately 1,300 County employees and makes up the County’s largest bargaining unit.
The Marin County Fair’s five-day run is about to begin and will not be affected by the planned strike. The 77th rendition of the fair runs from 11 a.m. Saturday, June 30, through 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, at the Marin County Fairgrounds in San Rafael.
There will be staffing shortages in many departments, but public safety personnel will continue to work. Staff from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, the Marin County Fire Department and other key emergency personnel such as 911 dispatchers and staff from the 24-hour crisis stabilization unit will not participate in the strike. In addition, the County is prepared to address public works emergencies if they arise.
“Some County facilities and services, including County parks and library branches, will be closed during the work stoppage because those services do not affect public health or safety,” said Mary Hao, the County’s Director of Human Resources. “Of course, we regret the inconvenience to our residents, but we will focus on maintaining essential services that have direct effects on public health or safety.”
Because of anticipated staffing shortages, the following changes to department operational hours can be expected between Sunday, July , and Tuesday, July 3:
Starting Saturday, June 30, a special strike information webpage, marincountyupdates.com, will have information about affected County services during the strike, labor negotiation updates, and other related information. Starting Friday, June 29, the public can confirm expected day-to-day services during a strike by calling a hotline that will be updated as needed. The phone number will be released Friday.
Online payment services remain available at marincounty.org/paymentcenter. Payment options include child support services, court collections, library fees, inmate payments, probation collections, building permits, and park reservations.