San Jose city workers are preparing to vote on a strike next month, potentially leading to significant disruptions in city services like library operations, airport facilities, and affordable housing, according to a KRON4 article. Two unions representing 4,500 city workers have called for the strike vote on August 1 due to stalled negotiations with the city government.

Without a new contract since June 30, city employees have been working to come to an agreement that addresses issues such as competitive wages, benefits, and staffing shortages. In response to the unions' announcement of the strike vote, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan stated that he believes in fair compensation for workers but also emphasized the need for a deal that is in the best interest of both workers and residents who rely on the city's services.

The negotiations between the city and the unions have been ongoing for months, with the unions claiming that there are no further talks scheduled at this time. Meanwhile, a Press Release shares statements from union members like Rachel Atkins, who insisted that this strike authorization would hold council members and the mayor accountable for making decisions that impact the city's service delivery. The unions claim that unresolved recruitment and retention issues are detrimental to San Jose residents.

According to KQED News, over 2,500 city employees have already signed a petition indicating their intent to vote in favor of the walkout. This potential strike looms as the largest that San Jose has seen in decades and would likely cause significant delays in the day-to-day operations across the city, as well as the possibility of increased emergency response times.

San Jose City Council members David Cohen and Pam Foley requested a special council meeting next week, in hopes of progressing the negotiations and demonstrating the necessary urgency this process deserves. With the August 1 strike vote fast approaching, San Jose city workers, residents, and officials eagerly await the outcome, anticipating its effects on city operations and services.