Striking prosecutors and public defenders walk picketline

Deputy district attorneys and public defenders protested outside the Sacramento County Administrative Building on Wednesday. The union representing both groups is in the second week of a strike demanding better wages and benefits. The union is seeking a 5.5% retroactive pay increase. The county says it has already offered a salary increase and its pay range is competitive. Union members approved the strike with a 94% vote. Many have cited the rapidly increasing cost of housing in the area as a major expense and an impediment to hiring sufficient staff. Protestors also posted signs nearby with photos of County Executive David Villanueva, stating that his salary has gone from $388,529 in 2021 to $457,000 this year.