Hayward City Employees Return To Work After 3-Day Strike
HAYWARD (CBS SF) -- Picket lines cleared Thursday afternoon as a three-day strike by Hayward workers represented by Service Employees International Union Local 1021 comes to an end.
A final labor rally ended the strike, which began Tuesday for what the union claimed was unfair labor tactics in contract talks.
The union represents about 350 city workers who are demanding that city officials' return to the negotiating table after the city declared an impasse and stopped bargaining on July 26.
The workers contract ended in April and according to city officials "talks broke down" in late July.
City officials said in a statement, "neither side is benefiting from this labor action; nor is it moving the City and its employees closer to productive resolution."
"It's too early, we're not at impasse," said Carla O'Shea, an administrator at the Hayward Police Department. "We're willing to negotiate. We're asking them to come back to the table."
O'Shea said demonstrators have been picketing in front of the Police Department for the past three days, as well as City Hall and other locations.
The negotiations stalled after the city asked for concessions for workers' contracts, including a hold on wage increases for two years and increases to medical and retirement contributions.
Union leaders have said they demand a fair contract that does not include pay cuts.
With the strike ending, workers are returning to the job Friday, however picketing is still possible if city officials refuse to meet, union leaders said.
City officials said the mayor and City Council are willing to schedule a special meeting to support bargaining if the union and the city's negotiation team resume talks.
Striking workers from locations throughout the city joined at the final rally at City Hall at 777 B St. around 5 p.m.
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