Through historic rallies, strike schools, and hundreds of calls, it appears that you have compelled the City to the bargaining table. Wednesday night, the Mayor expressed commitment to open bargaining and indexed wages—a direct result of your action.

At Tuesday’s Council Rally, your overwhelming presence forced the fire marshal to turn people away, and caused chaos among city officials. This powerful display underscored who truly wields power in this city.

But there’s only one way to hold the City accountable at the table: keep organizing and never slow down. Our message is clear: we stand with the community and know we may need to strike if necessary.

At Unprecedented Rally CSU/PTRLA and Local One Members with Their Families and Friends, Remind City Council Who Runs the City

Just two weeks ago your Bargaining Team said that more than 200 workers needed to show up at the 6/25 Council Rally, and you delivered!

Tuesday’s rally was so impressive that shortly after 6pm, the fire marshal had to prevent additional attendees from entering the Board Room! The room’s capacity is 242. An additional 40 attendees were told to wait in the courtyard, while another 30 waited in the overflow room.

The presence and power of workers initially threw the Council meeting into chaos delaying the start of the meeting as the Mayor and City Manager panicked in full public view and scrambled to regain their composure. 

Dozens of your co-workers spoke during public comment serving as a reminder about who really runs the City. This was also the City Manager’s final Council meeting. She just received a $600,000 severance package.

You Passed the First Solidarity Test

There’s an old saying among union organizers: “you have to challenge the union to live up its own professed values before you can fight the boss.” We are happy to report that you have successfully passed the first test.

Now the second test begins: in response to our rally, the Mayor pledged to Local One leaders at Wednesday night’s AFSCME Council 57 endorsement meeting that he is committed to open bargaining and indexing our wages to inflation. But words are cheap. As we head to the bargaining table, your organizing work continues.

Do not slow down. Keep speaking with your co-workers 1-1 about the plan to win. There will be future tests. A life changing contract is within reach if you and your co-workers are strike-ready.

In solidarity,

Your CSU/PTRLA Bargaining Team