Hawaiian Gardens union leaders demand action on vacant positions and employee retention

The Hawaiian Gardens City Council meeting held on May 14, 2025, focused on critical staffing issues and employee morale within the city’s workforce. The meeting began with a presentation from Siobhan Moore Cage, a political advocate for AFSCME Local 36, who highlighted the significant number of vacancies within the city’s departments, including nine positions in the bargaining unit, which have remained unfilled for extended periods.

Cage emphasized the importance of these positions for maintaining quality service to the community and urged the council to reevaluate the agency's succession plan. She noted that many roles, such as the senior accountant and community development specialist, have not been filled since retirements, leading to increased workloads for remaining staff. This situation has raised concerns about employee burnout and reduced efficiency.

Juan Serrano, the union president, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the recreation department, which he supervises, has been particularly affected by staff shortages. He expressed frustration over the city’s failure to implement recommendations from a recent compensation study aimed at improving employee retention and attraction. Serrano reported that employees are leaving for better opportunities elsewhere, exacerbated by reduced benefits for new hires.

Both speakers called for the city to take proactive measures to improve working conditions and employee satisfaction. They suggested various strategies, including offering bonuses, flexible scheduling, and formal recognition of employee contributions, to enhance morale and retain talent.

The discussions underscored a pressing need for the city council to address staffing challenges and improve employee engagement to ensure the effective delivery of services to the Hawaiian Gardens community. The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue between city management and employees to foster a supportive work environment.