Monday, March 9, Sebastopol’s public servants — including maintenance workers, water treatment operators, and building department support staff — held an informational picket outside the Sebastopol City Council meeting. Their message is clear: Sebastopol City Council must honor the will of the voters and fund public services. 

During the November 2024 elections, SEIU 1021 members and community allies knocked on thousands of doors to pass Measure U. 

According to the City of Sebastopol’s own website, “100% of all revenue raised by Measure U stays in Sebastopol to fund local services.” 

According to City Council’s ballot argument, the “new revenue measure is needed to fund public safety, emergency preparedness, roads, infrastructure, parks, our library, our pool, and overall City operations.” 

Yet Sebastopol City Council has refused to bargain in good faith. Union members argue that the City must become capable of recruiting and retaining employees who provide services to the community. 

Skyler Siwe, an SEIU 1021 member who is a maintenance worker for the City of Sebastopol, said, “Our Sebastopol community passed Measure U to directly fund public services. Unfortunately, Sebastopol City Council isn’t honoring the will of the voters. Recently, it took six months for the city to recruit a new maintenance worker. That means we’re slower at responding to emergencies. Sebastopol City Council should honor democracy and fund the services that directly impacts our community.” 

Last week, SEIU 1021 members voted by over 90% to authorize a strike. That means, should it become necessary, the SEIU 1021 bargaining team can legally call for a strike to protect public services.