NOVATO, CA — A local union representing Novato's public servants began an unfair labor practices strike Tuesday to a combat staffing crisis, union officials said.
The local union SEIU 1021 represents street maintenance workers, building inspectors, park recreation coordinators and city planners in Novato.
Local union officials said the City of Novato is facing a severe recruitment and retention crisis and that one in five SEIU 1021-represented employees have been on the job for less than a year.
"Novato’s public services run because of its employees. 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,” said Perry Siu, a recreation supervisor for the City of Novato.
Novato officials said they were notified about the strike on Aug. 4 and claims they have engaged in good faith negotiations with SEIU since early 2025.
During the November 2024 elections, Novato voters passed Measure M which replaced a former sales tax.
Measure M was estimated to bring in $10 million of locally controlled revenue per year.
The City of Novato’s website says this funding was proposed to “directly support community-identified priorities such as public safety and emergency response, roadway repairs, and parks and facilities maintenance.”
SEIU 1021 is claiming Novato City Council is refusing to follow through on that promise.
"As a community, Novato voters passed Measure M to provide the necessary funds to make Novato thrive. The City of Novato must honor the will of the voters. 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," SEIU stated in a press release.
Novato City Council released a statement on the strike:
“With the support of Measure M, we’ve offered 11% raises over three years for all SEIU employees, with some receiving up to 24% through equity adjustments — while maintaining long-term financial sustainability.
Despite multiple attempts to meet with SEIU over the past month, SEIU has chosen to prematurely strike instead of lawfully continuing negotiations.
We are disappointed by this decision. We urge SEIU to return to the table in good faith so we can reach a fair and competitive agreement for Novato employees and stay focused on delivering high-quality services to the Novato community.”
The city has implemented a contingency plan but said community member may notice the following:
- Longer response times for administrative services and certain field operations
- Reduced staffing or modified hours at public counters and service desks
- Delays in processing permits, requests, and non-emergency inquiries
- Parks and Recreation:
- Summer camps are being assessed; families will be contacted directly
- Athletic programs are being assessed; teams and players will be contacted directly
- Gymnastics classes and camps will be closed through Saturday
- Margaret Todd Senior Center will remain open
- Hamilton Pool will remain open
Police services will not be impacted due to the strike, Novato officials said.
The article Local Union Goes On Strike In Novato appeared first on Novato Link News.
