Here's a very quick update about our first session of contract talks with the City.

Typically, the first couple of bargaining sessions do not address any "big topics" like wage increases or major changes to benefits. However, this morning your Union bargaining team did make several proposals to the City including an additional day off - to be used at the employee's choice to recognize holidays that may be observed by staff - but that aren't observed by the City. In addition, we made several proposals focused on strengthening our Union and giving City workers a more powerful voice when it comes to the decisions that affect our jobs including alternative schedules and remote work.

By now, I’m sure most of you have seen the email from our City Manager, Jennifer Maguire, celebrating Women’s History Month. As a woman in a leadership role myself, I’m glad the City Manager took time out to remind us that “Women’s History Month began in 1981 as a week of recognition, rooted in the issues of equal treatment, rights, and protections, and San José has been a leading community for women at the vanguard of our nation’s history.” Somewhat conveniently, she ends the story there and fails to point to where that small amount of power came from - America’s first pay equity strike right here in San Jose by the MEF – AFSCME members that came before us. The City Manager also doesn’t mention how the City of San Jose is still woefully behind regarding issues affecting women – particularly among the ranks of women City workers. Only two short years ago did we finally achieve just one week of paid maternity leave – for example. One lousy week. It took us fighting and clawing for every inch to accomplish that, and we’re two decades into the 21st century.

After several rounds of settlement discussion between the union and SJPL, we are happy to report that the Union has won a settlement that will last us through this year’s contract negotiations – when we will secure a more permanent resolution and compensation for staff working Sunday hours.

It’s finally here! Our 2023 MEF-AFSCME Member Negotiations Survey. Your input in this survey is what your Union bargaining team uses when negotiating with the City for wages, benefits, and working conditions. The data collected from you serve as our guiding document when making proposals, counterproposals, and on which proposals to stand firm on. We invite all MEF members to let your bargaining team know your priorities by filling out the linked survey. Your input and feedback are central to determining the Union's priorities

The time to hear from you, the members of MEF-AFSCME, is now. To that end, we will be holding two kick off meetings to hear from you directly about what you want to see in our next contract. The meetings will both be held on Tuesday, January 24th at the Methodist church across from City Hall from 12:00 - 1:00 and a repeat meeting from 4:00 - 5:00. Food will be provided so please RSVP HERE so that we can order enough for everyone! (See more info below.)