Board of Supervisors urged to resolve $17M labor dispute within 72 hours

The City Council of San Mateo convened for a special meeting on February 6, 2025, to address pressing issues within the community. The meeting primarily focused on labor negotiations and financial concerns related to overtime wages.

One of the key discussions centered around a statement made by Carlos Tapia, who expressed his views on the ongoing labor dispute. Tapia highlighted a significant disagreement regarding biannual overtime wages amounting to $17 million, which has become a contentious issue for the city. He emphasized that this situation is fundamentally a labor problem that requires immediate attention.

Tapia urged the Board of Supervisors to take action by appointing a labor negotiator to resolve the issue swiftly, ideally within 72 hours. His call for prompt intervention underscores the urgency of the matter and the potential impact on city operations and employee relations.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for effective negotiation strategies to address the labor concerns raised. The City Council plans to follow up on this issue in future sessions, aiming to find a resolution that satisfies both the city's financial constraints and the needs of its workforce.