The union that represents about a thousand Shasta County employees is holding a rally Monday morning to kick off their weeklong strike. UPEC Local 792 voted last week to strike for 5 days to protest the county’s refusal to remove a $26 retiree fee from their paychecks. They also have safety concerns. The rank-and-file employees have been working without a contract since last April. They represent almost every county employee who is not law enforcement, public works or administration. They’ve written an open letter to the citizens of Shasta County to express their grievances. It’s posted to our Facebook page. The rally began at 9AM at the County Administration Building next door to the courthouse.