City Workers' Union Ends Strike In Marin County

NOVATO, CA — A local union representing maintenance workers, building inspectors, parks and recreation coordinators, city planners and office assistants in Novato ended Friday after negotiations resumed.

SEIU 1021 began the strike on Aug. 5 but returned to the bargaining table on Thursday and are scheduled to meet again Wednesday to continue negotiations towards a labor agreement.

Novato officials announced they received strike notification on Aug. 4, asserting their engagement in good faith negotiations with SEIU began in early 2025.

SEIU 1021 reported a severe recruitment and retention crisis. One in five of their represented employees has been with the city for less than a year, the union reported.

Novato voters approved Measure M in November 2024, replacing a prior sales tax. This measure is projected to generate $10 million annually for local priorities, including public safety, emergency response, road repairs, and parks/facilities maintenance.

SEIU 1021 is claiming Novato City Council is refusing to follow through on that promise.

The City claims SEIU opted for a premature strike instead of continuing lawful negotiations, despite the city's multiple attempts to meet over the past month.

With the conclusion of the strike, the City said operations are in the process of returning to normal but some minor delays may continue as staff address backlogs and resume regular operations.

Parks & Recreation camps and programs already canceled will not resume, including Camp Ton-of-Fun, Camp Ton-of-Fun Minis, Counselor In Training, and Gymnastics Full and Half Day Camp closed through the final week of the season this Monday through Friday.

City staff have reached out to parents and participants to provide refunds for classes and programs, as well as make alternative camp programming available through the local YMCA.

Last month, the City Council approved an agreement with the Novato Police Civilian Employees Association and compensation plans for engineers, confidential, and exempt management, covering 31 percent of City staff. This includes 11 percent salary increases over three years and up to 13 percent equity adjustments, plus continued 100 percent medical coverage, flexible work, and eight additional weeks of paid parental leave, according to Novato officials.

Negotiations continue with SEIU and the Police Managers and Officers Associations, with the same offer extended to SEIU employees, according to Novato officials.