After a brief three-day strike, SEIU Local 1021, which represents employees, is coming back across the City of Novato. In a statement released on Thursday, August 7, the union announced that maintenance workers, building inspectors, and other city staff would return to work following the initiation of the strike on Tuesday over labor agreement disputes. According to the City of Novato, operations are expected to normalize soon, although some backlog-driven delays may linger.
The resumption of work did not come without its share of disruption. The strike affected various community programs, such as the 'Camp Ton-of-Fun, ' which will stay closed for the season, leaving the parks and recreation department scrambling to offer refunds and alternatives. Negotiations between SEIU and the City are set to continue on August 13 as they seek to hammer out a mutually acceptable labor agreement.
Last month, the City Council approved a notable labor agreement for the Novato Police Civilian Employees Association covering dispatchers and community service officers. The deal included a generous offering: 11% salary increases over 3 years, equity adjustments, and continued coverage of 100% medical benefits for employees and their families, among other perks. SEIU employees were extended an identical proposal.
These negotiations and approved agreements come after community support for Measure M, which backed pivotal workforce and financial expansions within the city. To tackle persistent staffing challenges, the City foresaw the creation of six new full-time positions, including two additional SEIU-represented maintenance workers.
