Fleet services staff at the San Andreas Law Enforcement Council (SALEC) have officially walked off the job after ongoing contract renewal negotiations broke down. The union, which represents around 40% of the workforce in the fleet services division, is demanding improved pay and working conditions, citing a lack of wage increases over the past three years.
Workers rejected SALEC’s most recent offer of a 1% wage increase for the first year of a proposed three-year contract, followed by just 0.5% increases in each of the subsequent years. The union has labeled this proposal "insulting," arguing that it does not reflect the hard work and dedication of the employees who maintain the vehicles, equipment, and machinery essential to the operation of law enforcement agencies across San Andreas.
“We are the invisible backbone of this department,” said the union spokesperson. “Without us, nothing moves. Officers can’t respond to calls, vehicles can’t be serviced, and the machinery that keeps our streets safe breaks down. The fact that SALEC refuses to recognize our contributions and continues to offer negligible raises is beyond frustrating.”
The strike comes just days after the dramatic firing of SALEC's Interim Chief Executive Officer, a move that has sparked further uncertainty and frustration among employees. While the reasons behind the CEO’s sudden dismissal remain unclear, many are questioning the leadership stability within SALEC during a period of tense labor negotiations.
As the strike enters its second day, support for the fleet services workers has been pouring in from law enforcement officers across the state. Officers from all branches of San Andreas’ law enforcement agencies have voiced their solidarity, with some describing fleet services personnel as the "unsung heroes" who are integral to keeping the department operational.
“The fleet team is absolutely vital to everything we do,” said a state trooper with the San Andreas State Police. “They are the ones who make sure our cars are running, our equipment is functioning, and everything is safe. This strike is just the latest sign that the people who do the hard work deserve to be recognized and compensated properly.”
With the strike in full effect, all ongoing projects within the fleet services department have been put on hold. Maintenance and repairs to vehicles, as well as the servicing of critical equipment, are now suspended. Only a limited number of staff remain on standby to handle emergency situations, meaning all non-urgent operations are effectively paused until the strike concludes.
SALEC has issued a brief statement acknowledging the strike but insisting that the organization is committed to reaching a fair resolution. “SALEC values its workforce and is hopeful that negotiations will continue in a constructive manner. We remain dedicated to finding an equitable solution for all parties involved,” the statement reads.
However, there has been no indication that further talks are scheduled at this time, and the strike looks set to continue for the foreseeable future. The outcome of these labor disputes could have a significant impact on not just the fleet services department, but the broader operations of the San Andreas Law Enforcement Council.
For now, workers and supporters alike are standing firm in their calls for better pay and working conditions, urging SALEC to take immediate action to resolve the dispute.
