Bargaining Update! March 5, 2026

We met again with the City today for our third 2026 bargaining session.

You can watch the video update here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVhYOieAeLn/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Or on our webpage at: mef101.org

Today, we continued advancing proposals based on what we’ve been hearing from members across departments. These included several non-economic and smaller economic improvements that address day-to-day workplace issues and quality of life for employees.

Once again, the City came to the table with very little of substance in response to our proposals. They told us they will not be able to meaningfully respond to economic issues until they receive our full economic package.

That’s coming next week!

At our next bargaining session, MEF will present our wage proposal along with the remainder of our economic priorities. It will be a significant proposal that reflects the value of the work you do every day to keep San José running.

It will also highlight an important contrast. While the City continues moving forward with hundreds of millions of dollars in spending on stadium upgrades, major events, and giveaways to developers and corporations, we are focused on investing in the workers who deliver public services.

Our goal is simple: a People-Powered San José where the workforce is respected, supported, fairly compensated, and where residents can rely on quality public services.

As bargaining continues, please keep wearing your green shirts on Thursdays to show unity and support for our bargaining team. We will also be circulating a petition soon as part of the next phase of our campaign.

More updates to come next week as we put wages and our full economic package on the table.

In Solidarity,

Your MEF -- AFSCME Local 101 Bargaining Team