SAN JOSE, Calif., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On Thursday, March 13, city workers represented by San Jose labor unions IFPTE Local 21, MEF-AFSCME Local 101, and San Jose Firefighters IAFF Local 230 rallied to defend public services, in response to the City Manager’s hiring freeze, proposed budget cuts, and needless threat of layoffs. Hundreds of city workers ended their action in united chants, with a commitment to continue organizing around the budget. On Tuesday, March 18, workers plan to address Mayor Matt Mahan’s March Budget Message.
“City workers are prepared to stand up for our libraries, our community centers, our parks, and the residents we serve. Our city budget is a reflection of our values, and we need the City Administration and Mayor to invest in city workers and the services we provide. Despite being a wealthy city, we do not have the proper resources and staffing levels to provide San Jose residents with the highest quality public services possible, which remains a top priority for us,” said Nara Baker, Assistant Arborist for the Department of Transportation and IFPTE Local 21 Member.
“When San Jose only has 7 city workers for every 1,000 residents, that lack of staffing should concern everyone. Any cuts to services puts our libraries, the airport, and fire stations at risk, and will continue to negatively impact emergency response times,” said Jerry May, Fire Captain and President of San Jose Firefighters IAFF Local 230. “The City has enough money to invest in a San Jose that works for all of us. Our residents deserve better.”
Over the past decade, every year that the City of San Jose projected a budget deficit, the City ended the fiscal year with surplus money in the General Fund, averaging $32.2 million annually. According to data obtained from the City, there may also be up to $80.6 million in vacancy savings in the City’s General Fund.
Workers call on the City Administration to balance a budget that invests in city workers and vital services, not one that jeopardizes residents and the city’s future with short-sighted cuts to services or jobs. “Cuts to public services don’t just mean fewer resources in the here and now, they also severely impact what can be done in the future,” said Marcell Leath, Data Analyst in the Housing Department and MEF-AFSCME Local 101 member. “It’s time for a San Jose that works for all of us.”
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SOURCE IFPTE Local 21
