"It's not a democratic process."
Palo Alto, CA - No longer willing to negotiate with workers, the City of Palo Alto on Monday voted to unilaterally force a contract on its workers.

After 5 months of negotiations the city declared an impasse in negotiations then rejected the workers' offer of mediation.

Workers said bypassing mediation and imposing a contract goes far beyond fair and democratic negotiations.

"It's not a democratic process," said Brian Ward, a utilities account representative and member of the workers' bargaining team. "The city refused mediation. We feel like the city has forced us into this position."

Ward said the council's forceful decision has widespread repercussions.

"We're fighting for families," he said. "Not just for ourselves. There's a much larger trend being forced down everybody's throats that says, 'You accept, no matter what.' How democratic is that?"

What's next:

Workers will meet today at the Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto, from 4 - 9 p.m. to decide next steps.



For more information:

 Palo Alto Chapter Fact Sheet

PaloAltoIsFallingShort.com

Palo Alto Chapter on seiu521.org web site

Palo Alto Workers in the News

Palo Alto Negotiations Timeline 2009
May 4 – bargaining begins

Aug. 27 – Workers vote to authorize a strike

Sept. 24 – Workers hold a self-imposed furlough day to save the city money

Oct. 20 – City declares impasse in negotiations

Oct. 22 – City rejects workers' offer of mediation

Oct. 26 – City Council unilaterally imposes contract terms on workers