Solvang Workers Strike before Danish Days
SOLVANG, Calif. (KEYT) With the 89th Danish Days festival just days away, Solvang city workers went on strike.
"They imposed a contract on us yesterday and we went on strike today it is their timing, said Public Works Supervisor Johnathon Flynn.
Workers represented by Teamsters Local 986 rejected the city's offer on Monday night.
"We presented the city with a fair officer looking to get ratified the city rejected that offer they imposed a lower offer on the bargaining unit members essentially setting them on strike," said Teamster Local 896 Business Representative Jeff Lee," We want to send a clear message all we are asking for is a fair contrast in contrast to what the city spent for the non bargaining unit members. We are just looking for something that explains the worth of these members and what they do everyday to support the business in the city."
Danish Days is a run by hundreds of volunteers and business leaders won't let the strike put a damper the annual 3-day celebration that funds scholarships.
"It goes way back to all our families that have been doing this since the early 50s it has been a great tradition to be a part of and all out families, of course some of them have passed on but everyone of their family members including grandchildren have been here and are now helping to maintain, it is a great thing," said Ingeborg's Danish Chocolate's owner Kim Jensen.
Ingeborg's, famously featured in Lifetime's "A Very Charming Christmas Town" will be selling delicious Danish chocolates.
Jensen's daughters will be helping out.
For many it is like a family reunion with a day and night events including a parade, dancing, food and more.
"The traditions stay alive with each year having a danish fesival and part of that danish festival is keeping out architectural traditions alive but keeping food alive and keeping the little things alive like a skoll toast with Aquavit" said Danish Days Foundation Treasurer Tracy Bear.
David Cecchini of Cecco Ristorane plans to serve large turkey legs with a portion of the proceeds going to the Solvang Friendship House where his dad lives.
Solvang's Public Works Supervisor said his team is usually working during the community event that runs Friday through Sunday.
"We set up every cone, every parking sign, every barricade, when people are out," said Flynn," it will give us some time to hopefully enjoy it. "
The city leaders including the mayor couldn't be reached for comment.
For more information about Danish Day visit https://solvangdanishdays.org
Your News Channel will have more on Solvang tonight on the news.
