Palo Alto City Workers March against Permanent Cuts

Palo Alto City Workers March against Permanent Cuts

As negotiations escalate, about 100 Palo Alto city workers and community supporters marched in front of city hall on June 29 to send the message to management: Permanent cuts are not a solution.

Even though the economy is forecasted to improve, management expects workers to bear the brunt of a perceived structural deficit by forcing permanent cuts to their hard-earned wages, retirement and health benefits.

Fed up with city management stonewalling at the bargaining table and threatening permanent cuts to SEIU workers' compensation, city workers took up signs and held a demonstration along with the South Bay Labor Council, the Peninsula Peace and Justice Center, and supportive SEIU members from neighboring chapters and locals.

We are willing to contribute and we have contributed significantly over the years,

said Palo Alto Chapter Chair Lynn Krug.

Unfortunately, management is using the current economic downturn to 'exploit' SEIU wages and benefits. Permanent cuts are not a solution. There are other options available to balance the budget and continue to provide quality public services.

Four Palo Alto workers groups (police, fire, SEIU, and the Management and Professionals) have been asked to help close the city budget gap between them.

SEIU workers are willing do our part for our portion, as police and fire have been given the option to do by deferring their police and fire wage increases and potentially having a furlough,

Krug said.

Still the city is asking for the equivalent of 4.2 million dollars from its lowest paid union group,

she said.

SEIU City of Palo Alto workers receive a lesser wage to compensate for benefits.
SEIU City of Palo Alto workers currently receive a wage and benefits package at below the area median wage for equivalent work, even though we are a top-cost city.
Employees do not receive contributions to their social security while working for the city. Our PERS pension is our only pension paid into.

Two music bands (Flatpick Sidekicks and the Picketline Pickers) also played songs of social justice throughout the demonstration.