San Jose Members Rally for Fairness In Face of Unlawful Ballot Measure

On Tuesday, December 6, Hundreds of San Jose workers, including Local 21’s AEA, AMSP and CAMP members, protested a proposed ballot measure by Mayor Chuck Reed and a Council majority, that would lead to litigation and put at risk hundreds of millions of dollars that San Jose can't afford.

San Jose workers urged the City Council to continue negotiating with employee unions over pension reform, instead of moving forward with the unlawful ballot measure for June. Even the San Jose Mercury News’ Editorial Board stated negotiations should continue. However, after three hours of spirited debate, the Council voted 6-5 to place the measure on the June ballot. 

The rally came on the heels of a union-organized December 2 press conference announcing $55 million in pension savings for 2012-13, and other cost reductions that would create a no-cuts budget for next fiscal year. Assemblyman Paul Fong, and County Supervisors Dave Cortese and George Shirakawa were at the press conference. The Union proposals have been validated by the City’s own actuary and now by the independent Retirement Board actuary.  

In light of Tuesday’s Council action, Local 21 is reviewing our next steps regarding the June ballot measure, and conferring with legal counsel.

(Photo:South Bay Labor Council Executive Director Cindy Chavez speaks to a crowd of San Jose workers before Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Local 21 members look on from the background, holding Local 21 and “Tell the Truth, Negotiate Now” banners; photo by Michelle Hatfield)