Manteca, CA – Before the South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) Board meeting on Tuesday September 9, SSJID workers and IBEW 1245 members rallied outside headquarters, calling for a fair contract that respects the people who keep the Valley’s water flowing.
South San Joaquin Irrigation District informational picket, Manteca, CA September 9, 2025
Carrying signs and standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the early morning hours, the workers — including division managers, maintenance workers, equipment operators, mechanics, and water treatment operators — demanded that SSJID management stop slow-walking negotiations and start valuing the workforce that delivers water to Valley farms, families, and businesses.
Management has been dragging its feet at the bargaining table for almost a year, leaving workers expected to have a successor agreement in place 9 months ago. The district has pushed numerous changes from the existing agreement that will reduce the overall compensation of many dedicated employees while also asking them to pick up more of the benefits cost which has a direct threat on their ability to provide for their families security. At the same time, the district has spent millions on consultants, lawyers, and PR firms to pursue an electric utility takeover.
“The workers of SSJID are committed to keeping the Valley’s water flowing,” said René Cruz Martinez, IBEW 1245 Assistant Business Manager. “Those who stood on the informational picket line and spoke up in the boardroom showed real courage in standing up for themselves and their coworkers. The workers deserve a contract that acknowledges their vital role in this community.”
Workers Testify Inside the Board Meeting
After the picket, workers packed the boardroom, and several spoke directly to SSJID directors — even as many remain hesitant because of retaliation for speaking out. They voiced deep disappointment with management’s proposals, which would create hardship for the employees who enjoy working for the District.
Workers reminded the board that many of them have dedicated decades of service to SSJID, building the skills and knowledge needed to keep water flowing reliably. They warned that cuts threatening family security would drive experienced employees away, undermining the efficiency and safety that Valley communities and farmers depend on.
Employees emphasized that they want to reach a solution, but not one that forces the workforce to feel financial pain while management sees increases to their wages year after year without a word of concern from the Board.
“After 18 years at SSJID, I couldn’t sit back and watch what’s happening to these workers,” said Mike Hansen, SSJID heavy equipment operator who retired in June. “They don’t deserve to be treated this way. Management continues to give themselves raises while asking the workforce to make sacrifices and it’s not right. I came today to stand with the workers, because too many of them are afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation.”
Overwhelming Rejection of Management’s Proposals
When SSJID’s proposals went to a vote, the results were decisive: 53 out of 54 bargaining unit members voted NO. Workers made it clear they will not accept wage and benefit cuts that they view as both disrespectful and destabilizing to the district’s future.
“Management heard loud and clear: their proposals are non-starters,” said Sheila Lawton, IBEW 1245 Assistant Business Manager for the Public Sector/Private Sector. “Not one of our members voted in favor of the District package — and it shows just how united these workers are. They’ve dedicated their careers to keeping water flowing for this community, and they will not accept a contract that reduces overall compensation, shifts costs onto families, and undermines the stability of the district.”