On July 29 numerous city employees who had signed a strike pledge learned the details of striking along with the laws that safeguard their right to do so.

Hundreds of San Jose city employees belonging to IFPTE Local 21 and MEF-AFSCME Local 101 took part in Strike School. The sessions followed months of stalled contract talks between city workers and the City Administration. This marked the second of two gatherings and the venue reached full capacity.

"As dedicated city employees we demand that the City Administration and City Council demonstrate they value workers contributions to this community by reaching fair contract settlements to avoid a strike. We view a strike as a final option to safeguard public services" said Michael Jun Sr. Development Officer in the San Jose Housing Department and IFPTE Local 21 Bargaining Team Member. "A fair contract supports retention of staff needed to provide essential services such as affordable housing for vulnerable residents. The City offer fails to match the rising cost of living in Silicon Valley. We stand prepared to strike if required because we care about the well-being and future of our community."

"At Strike School we ensured our members are informed ready and equipped for the challenges ahead. As a coalition we stand united in our push for stronger public services. We will keep organizing members to sign the coalition strike pledge and we are preparing to seek a strike authorization vote if needed" said Alyssa Grondahl a MEF-AFSCME Local 101 Bargaining Team Member who serves as an Analyst for San Jose Police Department. "When we cannot recruit and retain staff in San Jose that directly affects public services for residents. The City of San Jose must negotiate in good faith with us."

"Over 4500 workers are highlighting how the City of San Jose ranks as the most thinly staffed agency in the state and how the City rollout of AI without safeguards further threatens quality public services" said Jean Cohen Executive Officer of the South Bay Labor Council. "Workers must handle more duties with fewer resources across departments and San Jose residents deserve better."

City workers state that the sole barrier to an agreement remains the City willingness to offer a fair contract that supports public services and the employees who deliver them.

SOURCE IFPTE Local 21