From Tuesday, August 5, to Thursday, August 7, the SEIU 1021 members who keep Novato running — including street maintenance workers, building inspectors, park recreation coordinators, and city planners — conducted an unfair labor practice strike.

City services were significantly disrupted:

• Summer youth programs set to begin August 5 went unstaffed.
• Street maintenance crews did not report to work.
• Building inspections did not take place.

The unfair labor practice strike followed a 98% strike authorization vote by members on Tuesday, July 29.

Each day, the strikers highlighted different ways in which the City of Novato has failed the community.

On Day 1, the strikers highlighted how the City of Novato has failed to respect the will of the voters.

During the November 2024 elections, Novato voters passed Measure M. Replacing a former sales tax, Measure M is estimated to bring in $10 million of locally controlled revenue per year. As described on the City of Novato’s website, this funding was proposed to “directly support community-identified priorities such as public safety and emergency response, roadway repairs, and parks and facilities maintenance.” Unfortunately, Novato City Council is refusing to follow through on their promise to Novato’s voters — making it hard to recruit and retain the city workers needed to maintain public safety and services.

On Day 2, the picket line moved to the regularly flooded intersection of Joan Ave. and South Novato Blvd. to highlight the City’s failure to retain enough staff to properly respond to annual winter floods.

Brett Walker, a city planner for the City of Novato, said, “This strike isn’t what we wanted, but it’s what we’ve been forced into. The City’s refusal to bargain in good faith makes it harder to recruit and retain the workers who provide the services Novato residents count on — especially around quick emergency response. When the City fails its workers, it fails its community. We need staff to address Novato’s flooding issues.” 

SEIU 1021 members understand what the public understands: Novato is unprepared for emergencies such as flooded intersection. With one in five employees represented by SEIU 1021 on the job for less than a year, the City’s recruitment and retention crisis is putting the public at risk.

On Day 3, the picket line moved to the Margaret Todd Senior Center to highlight the City’s failure to recruit and retain enough staff to properly care for Novato’s senior community.

At the Margaret Todd Senior Center, SEIU 1021 members proudly deliver a wide range of enriching programs: game nights, watercolor classes, fitness classes, computer literacy programs, music classes, socials, and more.

“We love the work we do to support Novato’s seniors, keeping them healthy, active, and connected to their community,” said Kendric Baccei, a recreation supervisor for the City of Novato. “Going on strike is the last thing we wanted, but the City left us no choice. If Novato is serious about caring for its seniors, it must invest Measure M funds in recruiting and retaining staff to support our vital senior programs.”

By going on strike, Novato’s public servants made a strong impact, and the City was forced to respond. Novato’s public servants were successful in getting them back to the table. While SEIU 1021 membership has decided to return to work, it is they’re hope that the City will bargain in good faith. The union retains its right to engage in lawful concerted activity in the future.