Connection workers tell council of staffing losses and management practices; council points to city manager and established processes

Workers from the city’s Connection team and labor organizers described workplace concerns, including recent staff departures, return‑to‑office mandates and delays in filling vacancies.

Nicholas Sawan, who identified himself as a connection worker, said his team has lost multiple staff since the employer imposed new return‑to‑office rules. “Within a month of unionizing, one worker quit due to the new return to office mandate,” Sawan said, and he described staffing levels that he said created unreasonable performance expectations and hostile management practices. He asked the council to intervene and said the city manager had refused to recognize the union so workers could address grievances.

John Forrest and Zora Beglarian also supported calls for clearer transparency about unionization pathways and how council interacts with employee collective actions. Forrest said he favored transparency on the process so community members could better follow how worker grievances are being addressed.

Council response Councilmembers explained their limited role in personnel matters and reminded speakers that the council’s direction is to oversee the city manager, city attorney and municipal judge while daily employment matters remain in the professional staff and HR domain. One council member said they would not direct the city attorney on personnel matters but would expect the city manager to address complaints and that the council relies on established personnel and legal processes.

Ending Speakers urged greater transparency and faster replacement hiring. Councilors and staff said they would continue to monitor labor issues through the city manager’s office and acknowledged the concerns raised.