Oakland's city workers will not walk off the job this week. The Oaklandside reported that IFPTE Local 21 withdrew its threat to strike on Nov. 5 after the city announced a tentative three-year agreement with the union on Saturday. A tentative deal with SEIU Local 1021 was announced Friday. The strike would have been the first by Oakland city workers in nearly a decade.
What's in the deals
SEIU 1021's summary says its deal runs three years, through June 30, 2029, with 9% in raises: 2.5% in January 2027, 2.5% in January 2028 and 4% in January 2029. The union says members will not pay any new contributions toward benefits or pensions. Other items include a new total compensation study, a bigger safety shoe voucher, larger uniform allowances, and new decontamination facilities for sewer workers starting in 2027. SEIU said the deal followed a 95% vote authorizing a strike.
The Oaklandside reported that IFPTE Local 21's agreement also gives 9% over three years, along with public transit benefits, equity pay adjustments for some job classifications, and protections around the use of AI. A city press release noted that neither deal includes employee pension or health care contributions to help offset Oakland's rising long-term personnel costs.
Other unions
The Oaklandside reported that firefighters' union IAFF Local 55 reached a tentative deal last week with a 16% raise over five years. The police union's contract, approved in August, gives a 14% raise over five years and has a "me too" clause that could bring more pay if other unions get better deals. The city has not said whether that clause will be triggered. Deals with IBEW Local 1245 and the Confidential Management Employees Association are still pending.
Next steps
Both SEIU and IFPTE members are voting on ratification this week. The City Council would then vote.