More than 100 City of Manteca workers — roughly 20 percent of the 498-member municipal workforce — are expected to participate in an informational picket regarding stalled contract talks.

It will take place Thursday, Aug. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the intersection of South Main and Wetmore just south of the new downtown arch.

The blue collar workers, represented by Operating Engineers Local 3, are in contract negotiations with the City and have been trying to get what they consider “a fair and equitable contract.”

In a release, the Local asserts “their rate of pay is not aligned with inflation and cost-of-living increases. Therefore, the purchasing power of these essential workers has fallen behind. Many can no longer afford basic needs.

They point out at the same time, members in positions of upper management for the City of Manteca have received what they term “extraordinary increases – increases that far exceed a cap imposed on the City’s blue-collar workforce.

The workforce will also voice their concerns at the Manteca City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.

“The City of Manteca is financially sound, and the public should be made aware that providing fair-market, comparable wages for this essential workforce can be done without negatively impacting the City and its residents,” said Local 3 Senior Business Rep. Mike De Anda.”

“Our priority is to secure an agreement that reflects the dedication and hard work of this local workforce, while ensuring the quality and reliability of the services they provide and which Manteca residents and their community depend on. Please don’t allow these workers to have to quit their jobs to find better paying ones elsewhere.”

“ If the skilled and trained workforce that keeps the City running, leaves, who will fill these gaps? Possibly untrained workers, who may compromise the safety and security of our residents.”

Operating Engineers Local 3 represents the interests of people who build, serve and protect. Most of Local 3’s 42,000 members work as heavy-equipment operators and construction workers, but the union also represents public employees, such as maintenance workers and police officers.