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Welcome to Your 2022 Union Contract Campaign

On this page, you will find an overview of our campaign activities, important updates, meeting information, and media of our solidarity at work.

Updated – 10/21/2022

Tentative Agreement Summary & Ratification Vote Fri., Oct. 21 and Sat., Oct. 22

Following more than eight months of vigorous negotiations, member-driven actions, constant pressure on the City Council, and leveraging our historic strike, your elected Bargaining Team is pleased to announce that a Tentative Agreement (TA) with the City of Santa Cruz was reached late on Wednesday, Oct. 19. 

You made history this week as our collective strength was on full display over the last three days during the first-ever strike for SEIU 521 Santa Cruz City workers. Our community demonstrated its solidarity but more importantly, we gained a level of respect from Management we will build upon.

No other bargaining unit within the City won these gains thanks to our historic strike, including the furlough moratorium, $1,800 one-time bonus, classification and compensation adjustments for classifications (more than 160 positions) far behind market comparison as well as language and commitment by the City to bring all other positions up to meet comparable agencies over the life over the three-year deal. 

Your Bargaining Team is Recommending a Yes Vote

RATIFICATION VOTE DATES, TIMES & VOTE COUNT

• In-person voting – Friday, Oct. 21, 10 am – 4 pm @ Civic Auditorium (​​307 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060)
• On-line voting – All members that cannot cast an in-person vote at the Civic Auditorium may cast a digital ballot starting at 6 pm on Friday, Oct. 21 to 12 pm on Saturday, Oct. 22.  
• Vote count – Saturday, Oct. 22 @ 12 pm at our SEIU 521 Union Hall | 517 Mission St # B, Santa Cruz, CA

*IMPORTANT NOTES FOR THE ONLINE VOTE: 

• To vote online, we must have a personal email address on file and permission to text you. Update your contact information no later than the end of Thurs., Oct. 20: www.seiu521.org/signup
• You also must be an SEIU 521 member to be able to vote. Submit your membership no later than the end of Thurs. Oct. 20: www.seiu521.org/membership

A copy of the full TA and a list of classifications receiving additional salary increases are now available for review:

Click here to review full Tentative Agreement

Click here to review Phase 1 COMP Implementation Classifications

Click here to review TA Summary

Previous Updates

Members on the Strike Line During the first First-Strike-Ever City Worker Labor Stoppage in the History of the City of Santa Cruz

“In Santa Cruz we fight for our community who supported our strike from the beginning; our community was incredible, Santa Cruz City workers were strong and resilient, and the sacrifice to strike was a historic-first-ever for SEIU 521 City of Santa Cruz workers We stood up to the City and we won.”, Ken Bare, President and Bargaining Team Member SEIU 521 City of Santa Cruz Chapter.

DAY BEFORE STRIKE OPERATIONS

Monday, October 17th marks Day One of the 5 days of strike activities that will take place at the time and location your strike captain notified you.

If you haven’t been notified by a strike captain, please report to City Hall, 809 Center Street, at 7:00 a.m., and no later than 7:15 a.m. When you arrive, please sign in.

We want to be very clear regarding the legality of our Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike. City workers represented by SEIU Local 521 have the legal right to participate in the ULP Strike and our strike will not be blocked in any way. Only a small group of workers, who will get line passes, will be working next week.

Unless you are a union spokesperson, DO NOT speak with the press or media. Members of your union are trained to handle media inquiries. If you are approached by a member of the press or media please contact: Ian Newman, Communications Specialist @ 516-983-9839, or Ian.newman@seiu521.org or refer the reporter to your Strike Captain.

NOTICE ABOUT REQUIRED LEGAL LINE / WORKER PASS LIST
Unless you are notified by SEIU Local 521 you are assigned as a “required line pass worker”, you should participate in the ULP strike.

Management might tell you that you are on an “essential worker list” to create confusion, but you are not unless you are on the very small list SEIU 521 has agreed to issue “ line passes ”.

Your role in our ULP strike is key. You and your co-workers must remain aware and responsive to our communications.

The Santa Cruz City Council and City management have engaged in unfair labor practices – They have made unilateral changes to working conditions without involving the union or workers. They have engaged in intimidation tactics, including but not limited to the removal of union materials and notifications, censorship of union members, unreasonable denial of time off to participate in concerted union activities.
They do not respect us, our sacrifices, or the contributions we make every day. If they did, we would have a union contract that invests in public services and our workforce.

Instead of bargaining in good faith, they continue to break the law and violate our union rights. A well-executed ULP strike disrupts the status quo by demonstrating the need to have respect for us and the community we serve – now and for years to come.

Make sure our union has your cell number with permission to text you: https://www.seiu521.org/signup. This is to ensure you are receiving the latest information and updates leading up to our strike date.

PRESS CONFERENCE/RALLY @ 9 AM
Starting at 9 AM, our union will host a strike rally & press conference in front of the Santa Cruz City Hall. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join in solidarity.

ITEMS TO BRING TO THE STRIKE LINE
Be prepared to bring and remind your co-workers to have the following items in their car or at the picket line: hat, light jacket, umbrella, and sunblock. Also good to have: a cell phone charger, and a lawn chair. Our union staff will provide snacks, drinks, and individually packaged lunches.

After you read this strike alert message that the ULP strike is on:

• Immediately send a round of personal texts and phone calls to your co-workers to confirm they will be joining you on the strike line on Monday, Oct. 17.
• Reach out to any advocate/community/client contacts with a message about why we are striking and how they can help. If you make contact please include our Lead Santa Cruz Organizer, Katy Bradley at: Katy.Bradley@seiu521.org
• Prepare to meet up at the strike day one location 30 minutes before your regular work start time.
• You can locate your strike captains by clicking here to access the Strike Captain List. An updated list that includes cell phone contact numbers will be released soon.

THE LATEST ON NEGOTIATIONS
Your SEIU 521 Bargaining Team continues to inform management that we are ready and willing to return to the negotiation table to reach a fair agreement and avert the strike.

While we are eager to reach a deal that is fair for us and our community, we do not anticipate achieving a resolution to our outstanding unfair labor practices by our strike date. The City refuses to address our proposals on wages and staffing and continues to commit unfair labor practices (ULPs). We will communicate the latest negotiations updates both via email and text as details emerge.

STRIKE LINE RULES

• Unless you are a union spokesperson, DO NOT speak with the press or media. Members of your union are trained to handle media inquiries. If you are approached by a member of the press or media please contact: Ian Newman, Communications Specialist @ 516-983-9839, or Ian.newman@seiu521.org or refer the reporter to your Strike Captain.
• Refer all media and reporters to the Strike Captain.
• Picketers must report to the Strike Captain when they arrive and leave, and records will be kept of all picket duties performed.
• Strikers must cooperate with requests to change picket locations or shifts to maintain effective picket lines.
• Worksites generally are picketed from 30 minutes before normal opening until one-half hour after normal closing. Twenty-four-hour facilities generally are picketed around the clock unless otherwise specified.
• Picketers should wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a jacket and a hat for protection from the sun or rain.
• Strike captains must try to rotate rest periods so the picket line remains strong at all times. Picketers must not use restrooms and telephones in buildings owned or operated by the struck employer.
• Don’t litter.
• Don’t lounge on building steps. Keep the picket line moving.
• Talk to people who cross the picket lines and try to convince them to support the strike without harassing them. Do not use profanity against workers crossing the picket line.
• The Strike Captain must maintain records of all unusual incidents and communicate problems to SEIU 521 union staff on the line. If the Strike Captain is absent, another striker must assume the responsibility of handling problems.
• No drugs, alcohol, weapons, or violence whatsoever will be tolerated on picket lines. You will be removed immediately from the strike line if you violate this condition.
• Don’t argue with the police. They legally can ask strikers for their names, addresses, and identification. If a police officer makes any request beyond this, you have the right to consult with an attorney or SEIU 521 union staff member first. Don’t waive your constitutional rights without consulting with an attorney.
• Strikers with outstanding traffic violations must pay them before picketing.
• Don’t abandon the picket line.
• Someone will be on duty at all times to deal with any emergencies.
• Don’t talk with strangers on the picket line before checking with the Strike Captain.

Other questions?

Consult our strike manual or your strike captain with any other questions.

Please be aware that you should expect additional notices via text or email regarding the strike, along with any important updates or new developments.

Tentative Agreement Vote Results

The vote results are in: the tentative agreement was overwhelmingly REJECTED.

Monday, October 17 marks day one of our Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike activities.

Details about the strike schedule will follow next week. Your strike captain will follow up with the details.

Your bargaining team thanks everyone who participated in the TA vote. In unity!

Tentative Agreement Overview and Vote

Following more than eight months of vigorous negotiations, workplace actions from all our co-workers and constant pressure on the City Council including a historic strike authorization, your elected Bargaining Team is pleased to announce we reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) with the City of Santa Cruz late Sunday afternoon.

We started off with the city offering a 2.5% cost of living increase for a one-year contract and now we have gained 12% over a three-year contract front loaded at 4.5%. With many of us experiencing the 10% furloughs in 2008 and 2020, guaranteeing no furlough for the duration of this agreement was important for us. In addition, our bargaining unit was the only one to secure a $1,100 bonus for all SEIU 521 represented employees.

There is still much work to do; after years of the city balancing their budget on our backs. Included below is the full TA overview.

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
All members will be provided with paid time off to attend one of two meetings taking place TOMORROW, Wednesday, October 5th at the Civic Auditorium, register here: https://forms.gle/BWQMvbfitCvH6qZr7

Wednesday, October 5
10 – 12 pm & 1 – 3pm
Location: Civic Auditorium, 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz
REGISTER FOR LUNCH HERE

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT VOTE THIS WEEK:
The vote to ratify our Tentative Agreement will take place Thursday, October 6th, and Friday, October 7th. All members will receive 30 minutes of release time to vote on Thursday, October 6th.

Voting Sites:
Thursday – Civic Auditorium, 10am – 3pm
Friday – Online via Election Buddy, 10am – 5pm

We were only able to make these gains at the bargaining table thanks to your support! Your actions made an ENORMOUS difference.
TENTATIVE AGREEMENT OVERVIEW – Click Here to View

We’re Strike Ready!

Strike Hotline: 831-600-3700

We want to be very clear regarding the legality of our Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike. City workers represented by SEIU Local 521 have the legal right to participate in the ULP Strike and our strike will not be blocked in any way. Only a small group of workers, who will get line passes, will be working next week. Unless you are contacted directly by a union staffer or strike captain, you should plan to join the picket line starting on Monday, October 3rd. There are multiple reports of Management attempting to intimidate and misinform our members of our legal rights. 

This notice serves as our official unfair labor practice strike alert! Monday, October 3rd marks Day One of the strike activities that will take place ALL AT ONE LOCATION:

ALL workers are to report to City Hall, 809 Center Street, no later than 7:15 a.m. 

When you arrive, please sign in at a union tent.

NOTICE ABOUT REQUIRED LEGAL LINE / WORKER PASS LIST

Unless you are notified by SEIU Local 521 you are assigned as a “required line pass worker”, you should participate in the ULP strike. 

Management might tell you that you are on an “essential worker list” to create confusion, but you are not unless you are on the SEIU 521 list of “required line pass workers”. [a skeleton crew that we are legally required to work on with management.]

Your role in our Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike is key. You and your co-workers must remain aware and responsive to our communications. 

The Santa Cruz City Council and City management have engaged in unfair labor practices – they do not respect us, our sacrifices, or the contributions we make every day. If they did, we would have a union contract that invests in public services and our workforce. 

Instead of bargaining in good faith, they continue to break the law and violate our union rights. A well-executed ULP strike disrupts the status quo by demonstrating the need to have respect for us and the community we serve – now and for years to come.

Make sure our union has your cell number with permission to text you before Sunday, Oct 2: https://www.seiu521.org/signup. This is to ensure you are receiving the latest information and updates. 

STRIKE PRESS CONFERENCE/RALLY @ 9 AM

Starting at 9 AM, our union will host a strike rally & press conference in front of the Santa Cruz City Hall. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join in solidarity.

ITEMS TO BRING TO THE STRIKE LINE

Be prepared to bring and remind your co-workers to have the following items in their car or at the picket line: hat, light jacket, umbrella, and sunblock. Also good to have: a cell phone charger, and a lawn chair. Our union staff will provide snacks, drinks, and individually packaged lunches.

After you read this strike alert message that the strike is on:

• Immediately send a round of personal texts and phone calls to your co-workers to confirm they will be joining you on the strike line. 
• Reach out to any advocate/community/client contacts with a message about why we are striking and how they can help. If you make contact please include our Lead Santa Cruz Organizer, Katy Bradley at: Katy.Bradley@seiu521.org
• Prepare to meet up at the strike day one location 30 minutes before your regular work start time.

You can locate your strike captains by clicking here to access the Strike Captain List.  An updated list that includes cell phone numbers will be released soon.

THE LATEST ON NEGOTIATIONS

Your SEIU 521 Bargaining Team continues to inform management that we are ready and willing to return to the negotiation table to reach a fair agreement and avert the strike. 

While we are eager to reach a deal that is fair for us and our community, we do not anticipate achieving a resolution to our outstanding unfair labor practices by our strike date. The City refuses to address our proposals on wages and staffing and continues to commit unfair labor practices (ULPs). We will communicate the latest negotiations updates both via email and text as details emerge. 

STRIKE LINE RULES

• Unless you are a union spokesperson, DO NOT speak with the press or media. Members of your union are trained to handle media inquiries. If you are approached by a member of the press or media please contact: Ian Newman, Communications Specialist @ 516-983-9839, or Ian.newman@seiu521.org or refer the reporter to your Strike Captain. 
• Refer all media and reporters to the Strike Captain.
• Picketers must report to the Strike Captain when they arrive and leave, and records will be kept of all picket duties performed.
• Strikers must cooperate with requests to change picket locations or shifts to maintain effective picket lines.
• Worksites generally are picketed from 30 minutes before normal opening until one-half hour after normal closing. Twenty-four-hour facilities generally are picketed around the clock unless otherwise specified.
• Picketers must wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a jacket and a hat for protection from the sun or rain.
• Strike captains must try to rotate rest periods so the picket line remains strong at all times. Picketers must not use restrooms and telephones in buildings owned or operated by the struck employer.
• Don’t litter.
• Don’t lounge on building steps. Keep the picket line moving.
• Talk to people who cross the picket lines and try to convince them to support the strike without harassing them. Do not use profanity against workers crossing the picket line.
• The Strike Captain must maintain records of all unusual incidents and communicate problems to SEIU 521 union staff on the line. If the Strike Captain is absent, another striker must assume the responsibility of handling problems. 
• No drugs, alcohol, weapons, or violence whatsoever will be tolerated on picket lines. You will be removed immediately from the strike line if you violate this condition. 
• Don’t argue with the police. They legally can ask strikers for their names, addresses, and identification. If a police officer makes any request beyond this, you have the right to consult with an attorney or SEIU 521 union staff member first. Don’t waive your constitutional rights without consulting with an attorney.
• Strikers with outstanding traffic violations must pay them before picketing.
• Don’t abandon the picket line. 
• Someone will be on duty at all times to deal with any emergencies.
• Don’t talk with strangers on the picket line before checking with the Strike Captain.

Other questions?

Consult our strike manual or your strike captain with any other questions. 

We look forward to joining you on the picket line to win for the community we serve, our fellow co-workers, and our families!

Consult the strike manual:

SEPTEMBER 13 PRESS CONFERENCE

On Sep 13 your coworkers delivered a powerful message to community residents and the press when we announced in front of City Hall the voting results of the City’s final offer and voting authorization to go on strike.

Here is media coverage of our strike vote announcement

(Click the image to read each article):

SIGN A STRIKE CARD!

Our union is on “Strike Ready” mode. All workers must be ready to strike, as your bargaining team can make the call to strike at any time.

Following City Management’s dismal offer that leaves Santa Cruz residents and workers behind, we are actively recruiting for workers to sign a strike assessment card! (Note: You cannot be disciplined or targeting for participating in union activities. Your rights to act in favor of what you feel is appropriate for you and your union is a federally protected right.)

City of Santa Cruz Management’s (LBFO):

Stand For A Contract That Prioritizes Santa Cruz Residents and Workers!

“The behavior of City Councilmembers and City management teams show wasting others’ time is natural for them. Their Last, Best and Final Offer (LBFO) today could have been their first offer in January.”

-Ted Rossiter, Information Technology Specialist, 15 Years of Service

The City Council and City management are doing everything they can to divert attention away from our community’s public services. The City’s neglect of workers only leads to more turmoil for the public services we provide.

“The City attorney is paid $400/hour and the City Manager, who received a 10% raise, have given us a disgraceful offer of 3.5 % Cost of Living Adjustment. REALLY, PLEASE EMAIL THE COUNCIL AND INFORM THEM OF YOUR DISGUST!”

 – Erik Bumgarner, Senior Wastewater Collection Maintenance Technician, 30 Years of Service

City management talks about resolving the housing crisis, homelessness, and showing love to their employees, meanwhile we continue to be overworked and underpaid while our community suffers due to lack of services, vacancies and short staffing!

“The City Council doesn’t believe in treating residents and workers fairly! Let them know what side you are on!  SIGN UP, SHOW UP, AND TAKE IT TO THE STREETS!”

– Ken Bare, City of Santa Cruz Chapter President, 17 Years of Service 

Upcoming Events

9/8 Last, Best, Final Offer Vote + Strike Vote

We will be voting IN PERSON on Thursday, September 8th from 8 AM – 5 PM at the following locations: 

• City Hall, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 
• Corp Yard, 1125 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 
• Landfill, 605 Dimeo Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 

9/13 City Council Action

Take a stand with your coworkers and meet us at Santa Cruz City Hall, City Council Chambers for Public Comment! 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 @ 10AM – 11AM. If you can’t be there in person, join the event virtually and speak directly to our local elected representatives who hold the power to improve our lives and public services of Santa Cruz!

Join the action virtually:

• Click on Zoom link (no time delay): https://zoom.us/j/94684401344
• Online at http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-council/council-meetings

Or, call any of the numbers below. If one is busy, try the next one. 

• 1-833-548-0276 (Toll Free)
• 1-833-548-0282 (Toll Free)
• 1-877-853-5247 (Toll Free)
• 1-669-900-9128

• Enter the meeting ID number: 946 8440 1344
• When prompted for a Participant ID, press #.
• Press *9 on your phone to “raise your hand” when the Mayor calls for public comment.
• It will be your turn to speak when the Mayor calls on you. Press *6 to unmute yourself. The timer will then be set to 2 minutes.

Media From our Latest Union Action

Updated: 6/29/22

Our Op-Ed Published in LookOut Santa Cruz

Read the op-ed published in LookOut Santa Cruz on June 28, 2022: Santa Cruz wages are so low, some of us live in our cars; city workers need raises, protection and respect

Negotiations Updates 

June 29 Update:

The City Council was visibly shaken yesterday when we called in to demand a fair union contract NOW! They went into their closed session with our words playing back to them. We need to ride this momentum and continue to show up! Just because the City Council says they are off for the month of July does not mean they cannot hold an emergency meeting to give us our fair contract. Councilmembers can no longer hide behind closed doors!

Setting the Record Straight Publicly Through Our Voices

On Tuesday, June 28, our fellow city co-workers outlined the challenges we face and how the city can and MUST make it right.
Read our published opinion piece in Lookout Santa Cruz.

Next steps:

• If you have not signed the petition for management to stop their anti-union tactics, then locate your closest bargaining team member or union organizer and SIGN NOW!
• If you were unable to call at the City council meeting, then call their cell phone number and tell them to give us a fair contract NOW! See the list of cell numbers below.
• We have a general membership meeting on Wednesday, July 13th – RSVP HERE. Per our contract language, these meetings are PAID TIME! Have a conversation with your supervisor to work out which meeting you WILL come to; 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.*

 * Important Note: If your supervisor is not allowing you to come to one of these meetings, please contact your organizer at katy.bradley@seiu521.org or one of your bargaining team members ASAP so we can get you to a meeting.

Councilmembers’ cell phone numbers:

• Councilmember Donna Meyers – 831-535-3979
• Councilmember Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson – 831-227-8228
• Mayor Sonja Brunner – 831-291-5281
• Councilmember Renee Golder – 831-227-3354

Operating with the highest general fund balance in at least a decade, the City can and must prioritize our safety and put forth investments that support sustained recruitment and retention so we can provide services to City residents in need. 

RSVP for our General Membership Meeting here to reserve your lunch.

June 27 Update:

The City Council says they care about workers, but the City’s bargaining team shows us otherwise! The City won’t implement the salary study keeping some classifications as much as 20% below mid-market wages.We all must unite and tell the City Council: ‘Now is the time to step in, tell the City’s bargaining team to give us a fair contract!’

The last meeting of the City Council, before going dark for the month of July, will take place THIS Tuesday, June 28th at 10:30 a.m.
Call the City Council
Take your break and call during public comment and tell the City Council to listen to us now!

Click Here for the City Council Meeting Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/94684401344
Public Comment phone numbers:
1-833-548-0276 (Toll-Free)
1-833-548-0282 (Toll-Free)
1-877-853-5247 (Toll-Free)
1-669-900-9128

You can also call Councilmembers’ cell phone numbers:
Councilmember Donna Meyers -  831-535-3979
Councilmember Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson – 831-227-8228
Mayor Sonja Brunner – 831-291-5281
Councilmember Renee Golder – 831-227-3354

Stand in Solidarity at City Council on Tuesday, June 28. The City Council has not held an in-person meeting throughout the pandemic and still does not meet in person. We will meet on the frontlines from day one and continue to show up. We will be outside of City Hall for the duration of the Council meeting on Tuesday, June 28th.

Operating with the highest general fund balance in at least a decade, the City can and must prioritize our safety and put forth investments that support sustained recruitment and retainment for city services.

June 21 Update:

On June 16, management came to the table agreeing that we have made a continuous effort to keep the City afloat by way of furlough, paying 2.5% of management’s contribution to retirement and giving back our COLAs.  

Directly after admitting that workers are balancing the City’s budget on our backs, management delivered an equally insulting proposal of 6.5% over two years. This offer does not nearly make up the difference with the furlough we took throughout the pandemic!  

One good thing that emerged from negotiations was their acknowledgement that they do have a surplus of 36 million dollars in their budget, but not for us! They explained each financial column allocated for surplus, but we need to remind them that they forgot these columns:  

Your SEIU 521 Bargaining Team provided the City with a package proposal in the hopes of getting us closer to a deal. Click here to see our proposal. 

The City is proposing a 6.5% increase over two years and a one-time bonus of $1,500. The City is not willing to implement a salary study or even increase the boot and meal allowance our co-workers have pleaded for.  

You have the power to make a difference. If you have yet to add your name to our email action directed at the City Council and Mayor, now is the time to do so.

NEXT STEPS: 

• Together with our union, we will conduct worksite visits in the next two weeks and provide in-person updates to let members know our next steps. 
• We will be providing our next series of posters, buttons, and actions to participate in. 
• General membership meeting on July 13th at the Civic 10-12p and 1-3p 
• If you are not a member yet become an SEIU 521 member now!

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A MEMBER 

We are facing management and a City Council unwilling to recognize our union by way of a fair contract and we will not stand for this treatment. The City’s proposals do not provide a living wage, and it’s time to rise up and join our fight!  

If we continue showing we are united, we can make progress and win a fair contract. All our contract updates are posted on our campaign website, including upcoming meetings dates and alerts:www.seiu521.org/cityofsantacruz22 

June 15 Update:

We go back to the table on June 16. Let’s see if the city has heard us and brings a counterproposal that shows us dignity and respect! There is no doubt, the city is Anti-Union! After our last rally, some of our union brothers and sisters were asked to write the time they spent at the rally on their timecards, even when they took their break to attend the rally. Each time we have a union meeting, gathering, or rally, the city tries to intimidate us from participating in concerted union activities. The City tells us to take down our union posters, stickers, cover our union bulletin boards, etc. Why is the City afraid of its unionized workers? 

What You Can Do Today to Stand in Solidarity 

With the highest general fund balance in 10 years workers’ safety and retention must be a city priority. Take action by contacting City of Santa Cruz representatives, click here or fill out the form below to add your name. We must continue to come together in solidarity and not let the City intimidate us! Purple up on Thursday, June 16! 

April 5, 2022 Update:

“There are City Workers who are attacked while on the job due to understaffing, inflation is at an all-time high and we aren’t earning enough to live or raise a family in Santa Cruz. We come to the table prepared with solutions to address issues, Management disrespectfully shows up late to bargaining , unprepared for our members and the quality proposals we introduce that are aimed at eliminating and addressing the long-term staffing and retention crisis.“

Ken Bare, SEIU 521 City of Santa Cruz Chapter President

Your bargaining team met with City Management on Wednesday, March 30^th. Management provided a counterproposal to our initial proposal.  Some of the highlights from the City Management’s counter proposal: 

Click this link to see the City’s counter-proposal.  

• The City is failing at protecting workers on-the-job safety, making Santa Cruz unsafe.  
  • SEIU City workers are exposed daily pathogens, or potentially infectious materials, (ex: waste receptacles used by public) which may contain needles discovered during routine cleaning, and human waste. Training and unique clothing are needed to ensure workers are protected and not transferring disease or illness to their families or loved ones.
• The City is knowingly underpaying workers which perpetuates a cycle of chronic understaffing and poor department management.   
  • City funding should be managed appropriately to address the demands placed on workers interacting with our homeless population. The impact of these incidents creates an unsafe, stressful, and hazardous environment for City workers.

Santa Cruz management perpetuates a staffing and retention crisis by knowingly paying workers too little in a city where it costs too much to live; our members’ lives and safety are placed in jeopardy while on-the-job. This is not a new phenomenon.

• REJECTED SEIU 521 economic proposal 
• Offered Employees a 3% increase for a one-year contract.  
• REJECTED SEIU 521 having union access to workers during paid lunch breaks.  
• No clear response by management regarding our shift differential proposal and our proposal for employees to stop paying the employers’ pension contribution.    

We’ve had enough and the City must accept and acknowledge our bargaining terms and develop safer jobs and communities.

The City must address its ongoing staff and safety issues!

Take Action, Send an Email to the Santa Cruz City Council

General Membership Meeting Information  

July 13, 2022 @ 10 a.m. & 1 p.m – RSVP HERE

Worksite Actions

Every day, more of our SEIU 521 City of Santa Cruz co-workers are joining the fight in solidarity to win a fair contract we all deserve.