Oakland city workers set to strike

Thousands of Oakland city workers are set to go on strike Tuesday unless further negotiations can stave it off, union officials said.

Two labor unions — Service Employees International Union Local 1021 and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 21 are planning to strike, said Jessica Bowker, a spokeswoman for Local 21.

The unions represent “nearly the entire city civilian workforce,” according to city officials. Police and fire workers will not take part in the strike.

Rob Szykowny, chief negotiator for the SEIU, said he believes a strike can still be averted. City and union officials are scheduled to negotiate again Monday, he said, and “I believe we’re close to a deal.”

However, the city has refused the union’s most recent offer of a oneyear deal that would extend negotiations, Szykowny said. Oakland city officials said in a statement that they have made a “last, best and final offer” that includes wage increases of up to 6 percent.

A strike would shut down much of the city. “Due to significant staff shortages, the strike will force the city to close nearly every city facility starting on Tuesday morning,” city officials said in a statement. On Monday, the city will release details about services that would be affected by the strike.

The SEIU participated in a half-day strike in early November, shutting down Oakland libraries, senior centers, child care programs and other city services. SEIU Local 1021 members include public works employees, parking enforcement officials and early education teachers. The IFPTE Local 21 represents professional and technical employees, including engineers, building inspectors and planners.

The city and unions have been in contract negotiations for more than six months. Major issues for the unions include wages, which Bowker said have not kept pace with the cost of living, as well as understaffing and retention and vacancy issues.

Szykowny said that while negotiations are set to continue Monday, his team is ready to negotiate before then as well.