Cruz

[Drunk Monk]

We leave mercnret next week, but often it’s the transitions that have the most impact

CITY SERVICES INFORMATION FOR THE WEEK OF OCT 3 - 10, 2022

[b](CUTS DUE TO SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION (SEIU) STRIKE)[/b]

The City of Santa Cruz has been in negotiations for a new labor contract with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 521 since early this year. Despite the City’s good faith efforts to reach a fair agreement with SEIU Local 521, the union rejected the City’s last proposal for a three-year 12% compensation increase. SEIU has notified the city of their intent to strike next week, beginning October 3. 

Four of the City’s other labor groups – Fire Management, Fire Local, OE3 Middle Managers, and the Executive Team have reached agreement on their contracts – also for a 12% increase over three years.

All City services staffed by SEIU employees will be significantly impacted the week of October 3 – 10, 2022. Essential services including police, fire, water, and wastewater will be operational. Residents should expect the following:

• Public safety will remain a top priority –Dial 911 if there is ANY potential emergency. Police and Fire will respond as usual.
  
  
• No residential or commercial trash or recycling pick-up.
  
  
• Service and payment counters will be closed.
  
  
• All libraries other than Capitola and Scotts Valley will be closed.
  
  
• Capitola and Scotts Valley libraries will have limited service – [b]all libraries will be closed Oct 8[/b].
  
  
• Many parks will be closed and recreation programs cancelled - see complete list.
  
  
• Most service phones will not be attended – expect to leave messages that will be responded to after the strike.
  
  
• Most plan reviews, permit reviews, and inspections will be unavailable.
  
  
• Normal Planning services will be available.  Building services will be limited.  Check the Planning & Community Development Department’s website for details.
  

This is a dynamic situation – we apologize for possible changes to this information, based on staff availability.