Union Triumph: No Layoffs Amid Budget Battles
San José, CA – June 30, 2024
The Municipal Employees Federation (MEF-AFSCME Local 101) proudly announces a significant victory for all city employees: despite facing one of the toughest budgetary challenges in recent years, there will be zero layoffs. This outcome is the result of our union's relentless advocacy and negotiations during the city's budget process, effectively countering proposed cuts by the Mayor’s Office.
Let’s be absolutely clear, this budget “crisis”, was of the mayor's own doing. The mayor and his allies insisted that $40 million – much of which was “one-time money” last year – would go into new and ongoing affordable housing programs and $27 million into cleaning the city’s waterways and providing interim housing. Unfortunately, despite the mayor increasing spending by tens of millions of dollars on his priorities, then turned around and publicly blamed employee wage increases on the reasons for the shortfall. The mayor’s comments are dishonest and disheartening and meant to pit residents against city workers.
The city began its budget planning for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 with a self-imposed $4.5 million projected deficit and an overall structural shortfall exceeding $50 million. Despite these fiscal challenges, our union fought tirelessly to ensure job security for all city employees. We are pleased to report that our efforts have paid off, and there will be no layoffs.
Key Highlights of the Budget Battle:
Defending Jobs: Amidst projections of a cumulative $80.5 million shortfall over the next five years, MEF successfully lobbied to protect city workforce positions. This achievement means that despite the largest projected shortfall since the pandemic, no employees will face layoffs.
Securing Funding for Essential Services: The approved budget includes significant investments in critical areas such as homelessness, community safety, and affordable housing. These investments align with the priorities set forth by both the city council and our union.
Enhancing Community Spaces: Several key community projects received funding, including:
Rose Garden Improvements: $47,150 allocated for the replacement of planting beds at the Municipal Rose Garden and an updated irrigation system for the Heritage Rose Garden.
Basking Ridge Park: $165,000 for new cantilever umbrellas over existing picnic tables.
Tully Library: $5,000 to support STEM programming and equipment replacement.
Camden Community Center: $16,000 for volleyball nets, table tennis tables, and a wireless sound system.
Walnut Mobile Home Park: $25,000 to expand good neighbor practices and improve quality of life.
Supporting Small Businesses: Funding has been allocated to support small business initiatives, including:
Alum Rock Santa Clara Street Business Association: $100,000 for marketing, gateway programs, and area maintenance.
Tully Road Eastridge Business Association: $50,000 for gap funding to improve the Tully Road corridor.
Downtown Streets Team: $80,000 for beautification services in business corridors.
Promoting Safety and Cleanliness: The budget includes measures to address public safety and city cleanliness, such as:
Adopt-a-Storm Drain Program: $30,000 for citywide expansion.
Combating Food Insecurity: $10,000 grants to Martha’s Kitchen and Loaves and Fishes for food distribution programs.
Buena Vista Parking Enforcement: $6,800 for enhanced patrols to address illegal parking.
Increasing Community Events: Several beloved community events and initiatives received funding, including:
Christmas in the Park: $13,000 for a new AV system.
Fourth of July Fireworks: $300,000 to support three sanctioned fireworks shows.
Viva Parks and Viva Calle: $336,599 to restore these events across the city.
Improving Educational Outcomes: Investments in educational programs include:
Youth Science Institute: $62,500 for transportation and programming for Title 1 schools.
Silicon Valley Education Foundation: $75,000 for STEM programming for underserved students.
College of Adaptive Arts: $10,000 to support educational opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.
Achieving Vision Zero: The budget allocates significant resources towards traffic safety improvements, including:
Enhanced Crosswalks and Speed Humps: Funding for projects across multiple districts to improve pedestrian safety and reduce speeding.
Promoting Downtown Vibrancy: Funding to enhance downtown activities, including:
Downtown Ice and Downtown Champions: $290,000 to support these programs.
Urban Vibrancy Institute’s Downtown Block Parties: $75,000 for another year of summer block parties to support small businesses.
A Unified Effort:
This victory would not have been possible without the unwavering support of union members. Your solidarity and commitment have shown that when we stand together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes. We also extend our gratitude to the city council members who collaborated with us and advocated for the needs of city employees and residents.
Looking Ahead:
While we are glad we made the best out of an otherwise bad situation brought on us by the mayor, we remain vigilant and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Our union will continue to advocate for fair wages, improved working conditions, and the well-being of all city employees. Together, we will strive to ensure that San José remains a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community for all.
