“Staff Up San Jose” – Local 21 Members Demand A Fair Contract
San Jose workers vote overwhelmingly to go on strike
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over 4.500 workers employed by the City of San Jose, California, and collectively represented by IFPTE Local 21 and AFSCME Local 101 are sending a clear and strong message to their employer that they will not back down from demands for better wages, benefits and working conditions.
Local 21 President/Western Area Vice President Gus Vallejo commented on the workers strong vote to strike later this month:
“The public servants who proudly serve our community deserve a compensation and benefits package that is worthy of their great work. It is disgraceful that the wages and benefits provided to these workers are so lacking that many can’t even afford to live where they work. The Mayor and City Council need to stop making excuses and do the right thing by bringing a compensation proposal to the table that is not only reflective of the service these workers perform, but also in line with the cost of living in San Jose. As is reflected in the 99 percent vote from the workers to authorize a strike, Local 21 members will not back down from what are very reasonable demands.”
IFPTE International President Matthew Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson also provided a statement in support of the workers:
“The IFPTE family across North America stands in strong Solidarity with our Sisters, Brothers, and Siblings from Local 21 who are fighting to win fair wages and benefits from the city of San Jose. This is one of the wealthiest cities in this nation and for its leaders to cry poor as a reason for denying these workers what they have earned and deserve is misleading and shameful. IFPTE is proud to have the back of all of these dedicated public servants in San Jose.”
Read more and see workers' testimonials at Staff Up San Jose (www.staffupsanjose.org), IFPTE Local 21 and AFSCME Local 101’s contract campaign website.
Across the United States and Canada, IFPTE represents 90,000 highly skilled workers in the federal, public, and private sectors. IFPTE is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO and the CLC. More information can be found at www.IFPTE.org.
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