The City of San Jose has released its latest budget forecast, and while the projected shortfall has dropped from $60 million to $45.7 million, the threat of layoffs and service cuts is still very real.

Mayor Matt Mahan is pushing a false choice—he wants to permanently shift Measure E affordable housing dollars to fund his tiny home project, leaving essential services at risk. This is not the only option, and we must continue to apply pressure to stop cuts to jobs and city services.

What’s in the Five-Year Budget Forecast?

We are in a critical fight to protect jobs and public services in San Jose. The City’s $60 million budget shortfall threatens not only vacant positions but active employees and the vital services our community relies on. We have only weeks to ensure this budget does not include layoffs or additional cuts to City services.

What MEF-AFSCME Local 101 Is Doing to Fight Back

We are working in coalition with IFPTE Local 21 and Firefighters Union Local 230, which has been actively working to prevent layoffs and find responsible budget solutions:

✅ Regular Meetings with the Mayor’s Office – We’ve established direct discussions with the Mayor and his budget team to push for alternatives to layoffs.
✅ Exposing Flawed Cost-Saving Measures – The City administration has unilaterally and, in violation of our MOA, cut hours for some employees in a rushed attempt to save money. We are fighting back using the grievance and arbitration procedures and filing charges with the State Public Employees Relations Board (PERB).
✅ Identifying Real Savings – We have already identified millions in potential savings the City could use, including:

• $10 million in savings from hiring freezes and expenditure cuts (which came at the cost of our members being forced to do more with less).

• Millions in encumbrances within City contracts that could be freed up if properly accounted for.

✅ Pushing for Smarter Budget Choices – We are calling on the City to:

• Tap into the $61M Budget Stabilization Reserve

• Use the $14M Salaries and Benefits Reserve

• Increase the assumed vacancy rate from 2% to 5% – This simple adjustment would fully resolve the City’s budget crisis and put San Jose in a stronger position to hire and retain staff.

Here is What We Need From You…

The City of San Jose is facing a critical budget shortfall, and layoffs of active staff are on the table. You may have seen City Manager Jennifer Maguire’s January 30th email confirming that the City is implementing cost control measures to address an alleged $60 million General Fund shortfall. This includes exploring the possibility of cutting occupied positions, not just vacant ones.

As public service workers, we know firsthand that when staffing levels are reduced, our community suffers. Poor staffing leads to longer wait times, delayed services, and reduced support for the families who rely on us every day. That’s why, as a first step, we’re calling on you to sign the pledge to protect public services and fight against layoffs.

➡️ [Sign the Pledge Here] https://tinyurl.com/sanjose4us

By signing the pledge, you commit to:

We want to share an important update with you regarding the City of San Jose’s 2025-2026 budget planning process. Based on the City's own analysis, the coming fiscal year presents significant financial challenges, and we understand the Mayor and City Council are exploring various measures to address a budget shortfall.

Unfortunately, we’ve received direct confirmation from the Mayor and the City Manager’s Office that layoffs of existing staff are being considered—not just unfilled vacancies. These layoffs would affect real people with real families who depend on their jobs to make ends meet.

This is unacceptable, and we want to assure you that MEF is drawing a line in the sand on layoffs of active staff. We are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent these devastating cuts and Defend San Jose from more cuts to City services.

While the City claims to be out of options, we strongly believe there are significant savings that should be utilized before even considering layoffs, including:

• Vacancy Savings: The City is already sitting on tens of millions of dollars in unspent funds due to unfilled positions.

• Salaries and Benefits Reserve Savings: Over $14 million remains in these reserves.

• Special Pet Projects: Council-approved projects that are non-essential and could be deferred or eliminated.

• Inflated Executive Salaries: Positions in Unit 99 and Executive Leadership receive disproportionately high salaries, which could be adjusted to ease budget pressures.

Layoffs of active staff are a choice, not a necessity. MEF will stand firmly against any decision that threatens the livelihood of our members while leaving other cost-saving measures untouched.

We need your support in the coming weeks as we fight to protect your jobs and push the City to explore more responsible and equitable solutions. Please stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved in our efforts to push back on these harmful proposals. Our Union isn’t backing down

MEF-AFSCME Local 101 is calling for nominations for the role of Department Director(s) to serve on the MEF Board of Directors. This is your opportunity to step into a leadership role and represent your coworkers, your department, and city employees across San Jose.

The MEF Bylaws define the Board of Directors as the body responsible for ensuring the policies and directives of the General Membership are carried out. Directors play a crucial role in representing the interests of their departments, setting policy, and advocating for fair treatment and working conditions for all members.

Why Serve on the MEF Board of Directors?

MEF-AFSCME Local 101 is calling on you to become a steward and make a difference in your workplace and across the city!

Our union contract (MOA) with the City allows us to have approximately 60 stewards throughout the city, but we currently have several vacancies. This is your opportunity to ensure your department has a voice, is represented at key meetings, and plays a role in addressing the issues that matter to you and your coworkers. .Sign Up Now!

What Does a Steward Do?

As a steward, you will: