City Administration Issues Ultimatum,
City Workers Enjoy Public Support at Art and Soul, and A Refresher on 2017 Bargaining
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City Administration Makes “Take it or Leave It” Ultimatum During Mediation
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Unfortunately, the City Administration brought mediation to an early close by issuing an unacceptable “take it or leave it” ultimatum. Their offer contained a wage proposal that does not keep up with the cost of living or help us fill the City’s 600+ job vacancies. The Administration’s proposal also included a laundry list of takeaways to civil service protections and paid leave sellback.
Here are key details of the City Administration’s offer:
Wages: 2% increase in July 2019
2% increase in July 2020
1% increase in Nov. 2020
Possible One-Time Bonus: Up to $1,028 in December 2019 if the City meets financial targets set by the Administration
Equity Adjustments: NO equity adjustments for any classifications
Transit Pass: Increase employee contribution to $30 per year
Hiring and Promotions: Remove civil service protections from over 75+ classifications (UM2) and expand the eligibility list from 4 to 10.
Paid Leave Sell Back – Eliminate the ability to cash out banked leave. Must pre-elect all future vacation and sick leave cash outs the prior year.
It appears that this Administration chose to enter mediation with no intention of making compromises necessary for a fair agreement. We will now move to factfinding, which is the next step in the bargaining process. As evidenced by the $140 million budget surplus last year, the City has the financial ability to fill vacancies for vital social services that help our community and provide a more livable wage for its workers.
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We Passed Out More Than 600 Free Posters Supporting City Workers at Art and Soul!
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This past weekend, tens of thousands of music, dance and art lovers from all over the Bay Area came to Oakland for the iconic Art and Soul festival.
Local 21 and SEIU 1021 members paraded through the festival chanting “City Workers Love Oakland!” while carrying mini blue and purple parasols and passing out mardi gras beads to everyone.
We collaborated with Bay Area artist collective The Poster Syndicate to make 4 custom designs supporting Oakland city workers. They created fresh screen prints on the spot at our booth.
They went like hotcakes; we gave out around 600 free posters to the public!
Members of the public were very supportive and many stopped by to sign our petition to support city workers and community services.
We’re all working hard to win a good contract. This past weekend was a reminder that we can do that while enjoying our local culture, creativity, and civic pride!
Oakland Local 21 Bargaining Team member Laura Takeshita said, “I had a great time, let’s do it again!”
Images from the event are available on our Local 21 Facebook page; view them here!
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Fuzzy about what happened during our last round of bargaining? We've got you covered! Here's a refresher:
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During fact-finding, the City Administration and IFPTE Local 21, representing city workers, each present arguments and evidence to a 3-person panel. The panel has one representative from IFPTE Local 21 and the City Administration, and a neutral Chairperson selected by the State Public Employee Relations Board (PERB). After the panel holds hearings and reviews the information that is presented, the Chairperson can issue a public report with recommendations for reaching a settlement.
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No state or federal law requires employers to provide a secure retirement, fully-paid healthcare, or paid vacation to their employees. These benefits are in our union contract because of city workers standing up for better working conditions.
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Get involved in the Local 21 Contract Action Team! Contact:
Sharon at SJenkins@ifpte21.org
Jesse at JKadjo@ifpte21.org
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