San José municipal workers authorize potential strike

Thousands of San José municipal workers have overwhelmingly authorized a strike, signaling a potential major work stoppage if contract negotiations remain deadlocked. Members of two unions, IFPTE Local 21 and MEF-AFSCME Local 101, approved the authorization with a 97% vote. This move empowers bargaining representatives to call for a strike of up to three days.

The dispute centers on wages, economic benefits, and protections against job displacement caused by artificial intelligence. Union representatives argue that stagnant pay has led to high attrition rates and a loss of institutional knowledge across various departments. The two unions collectively represent approximately 4,500 workers, which constitutes more than half of the city’s nearly 8,000-strong workforce.

If a strike occurs, it would be the largest labor action in San José since 1981. City officials are currently preparing contingency plans to manage potential service disruptions in areas such as libraries, parks, and transportation. The city has cited fiscal constraints as a primary hurdle in reaching an agreement, while workers emphasize the need for competitive pay to address staffing shortages.