Hundreds attended the second strike school session as IFPTE Local 21 and MEF-AFSCME Local 101 said they are preparing for a possible strike after months of stalled negotiations.
Hundreds of San Jose city employees represented by IFPTE Local 21 and MEF-AFSCME Local 101 attended the second of two strike school sessions on July 29 as contract negotiations with the City Administration remained stalled. Organizers said the room reached maximum capacity and that workers who have signed a strike pledge were briefed on what a strike entails and the legal protections around striking. Union representatives said they are considering a strike as a last resort and are continuing to organize members around the coalition's strike pledge while preparing to seek a strike authorization vote if needed. They argue the City's offer does not keep pace with Silicon Valley's cost of living, that staffing shortages are straining public services, and that the city's use of AI without guardrails could further undermine service quality. Labor officials said more than 4,500 workers are involved in the dispute and maintained that a deal depends on the City agreeing to a fair contract that supports staffing and public services.