Novato city workers set to strike, impacting public services

Unionized workers in Novato were set to strike Tuesday morning over what they say are unfair labor practices by the city. 

Unionized workers wearing purple shirts and holding picket signs were set to gather in front of Novato City Hall for a rally Tuesday, according to a spokesperson for the Service Employees International Union Local 1021. Union officials said the strike will affect city services such as summer youth programs, building inspections and street maintenance.

The union, which represents over 60,000 employees in Northern California, alleges that the Novato City Council has refused to use funds generated by ballot Measure M, which was passed by voters in November in an effort to fund local services, as laid out on the city’s website. The measure, which replaces a former sales tax, is estimated to generate $10 million in locally controlled revenue per year, the union said.

The strike was approved by 98% of union employees in a vote last week, officials said.

“Novato’s public services run because of its employees,” said a statement from Perry Siu, a recreation supervisor for the city. “We love our jobs. We don’t want to go on strike. But we have to hold the City of Novato accountable to the community, its employees, and its fiscal commitments to public services.” 

Four of the five Novato City Council members could not be reached for comment. When reached by phone Monday night, Council Member Kevin Jacobs declined to comment on the strike.

“The City of Novato must honor the will of the voters,” said the union in a statement. “The City should follow its strategic plan to recruit and retain staff so that we can fix Novato’s potholes and keep our city safe.” The union said the city faces a “severe recruitment and retention crisis,” with 20% of SEIU-represented employees having been employed for less than a year.