The union that represents about a thousand Shasta County employees who were on strike last week has been embroiled in confidential contract negotiations with the county over the past few days. Although they can’t publicly discuss specifics, a statement from UPEC Local 792 says they’ve made significant progress. Last week’s five day strike was done to call attention to the fact that they’ve been working without a contract since last April. The main argument is over a 26-Dollar-per-paycheck retiree administrative fee, as well as some worker safety issues. The unit represents most county employees who are not law enforcement, public works or administration. Members of the union will vote late next week on whether to accept the county’s contract offer. The striking workers returned to their jobs on Monday.