130+ Burlingame Workers Weigh Possible Strike

BURLINGAME, CA — More than 100 park employees, library workers, street sweepers, mechanics and other city employees could vote to authorize a strike in the coming weeks over allegations of unfair labor practices.

According to AFSCME Local 829, one of San Mateo County's largest unions, workers allege city leadership has been hostile during negotiations over a new contract, which have been ongoing since May.

"After union members exercised our First Amendment rights to speak to the City Council during public comment, a Burlingame manager said afterwards that if AFSCME members didn't like the city's wages, he would help us find a job somewhere else," Rich Stephens, a city employee of 17 years, said in a statement Tuesday. "The irony is that this manager apparently doesn't realize that Burlingame employees are not having any trouble finding other jobs because of the city's low wages."

According to the union, workers are seeking raises that keep up with inflation and rising costs of living, estimated Burlingame workers are paid 6 percent less than employees with similar jobs in neighboring cities.

Approximately 130 workers could choose to authorize a strike, which union leaders said would be the city's first since 1981. While the strike could library services, recreation programs, parking enforcement and other city services, the union said it has taken proactive steps to maintain critical public safety operations, including support functions for the police department.

A strike could not occur until members move forward with an authorization vote, which could happen sometime in the next three weeks.