SSJID workers are the division managers, maintenance workers, equipment operators, mechanics, water treatment operators, and more that keep the Valley’s water flowing.
But for nine months, management has slow-walked contract negotiations and has pushed schedule changes that would reduce employee’s annual compensation and are asking workers to pay more for benefits.
GET THE FACTS
While workers keep the water moving around the clock, SSJID management is:
❌ FAILING WORKERS
SSJID management has chosen delays and takeaways over backing the people who keep our farms thriving and our taps running.
❌ MISMANAGING FUNDS
SSJID has spent millions on consultants, lawyers, and PR firms to take over PG&E’s electric assets, while refusing to give a fair contract to the workers who keep water flowing to farms, families and businesses.
❌ SHORTCHANGING OUR COMMUNITY
By devaluing these workers, management is undermining our water system and community’s well-being.
YOU CAN HELP!
Stand with workers. Call the SSJID Board and demand they stop stalling and negotiate a fair pay for their workers now:
Mike Weststeyn – (209) 581-1648
John Holbrook – (209) 986-4739
David Roos – (209) 605-6564
Glenn Spyksma – (209) 603-6836
Billy Van Ryn – (209) 629-3393
📞 When You Call, say:
“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling to urge you to stop stalling and agree to a fair contract for SSJID workers. These crews keep our water flowing, maintain critical infrastructure, and respond to emergencies day and night. Cutting their pay or benefits puts our water system and our community at risk. Please do the right thing and settle this now.
UPDATES
SSJID Workers Hold Informational Picket and Speak Out at Board Meeting, Demand Fair Contract
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.
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.”
💪 Packed House in Escalon: SSJID Workers Demand Fairness
August 18, 2025
This week, nearly 25 IBEW 1245 members and supporters packed the Escalon City Council chambers as SSJID management delivered an update on their costly push to take over electric service.
🧑🤝🧑 But the real story was in the audience: nearly 25 SSJID and IBEW workers in stood united for fair pay and fair treatment.
Here’s what management left out of their presentation to the City Council on their efforts to expand service to the elctrical market: while they’ve spent millions of dollars 💵 chasing an electric takeover, it’s been nine months and they still haven’t reached a fair agreement with their own workers.
⏳Even worse, when we pushed for another bargaining session ASAP, management said they want to wait a full month to meet again. That’s unacceptable. SSJID workers can’t wait.
👉Meanwhile, signs are appearing throughout the community with a simple, powerful message: Support SSJID Workers!
✊ This fight is just getting started. We will continue to stand shoulder-shoulder for the workers, farmers and communities that depend on the workers of SSJID.
☎️ Please use the phone numbers above to call the SSJID Board and demand they come to the table and negotiate with their workers.
