Board urges Muni drivers to end sick-out and return to work; adopts resolution after debate and amendments
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Summary
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors adopted an imperative resolution urging Municipal Railway drivers to end a sick-out that disrupted service, and added neutral language acknowledging that the 2010 Measure G arbitration process differs from that of other unions.
The Board of Supervisors adopted an imperative resolution on Tuesday urging San Francisco Municipal Railway drivers to end a sick-out and return to work, and urged both drivers and management to continue the contract arbitration process. Before taking the final vote, the board first adopted a "serious injury" finding required for imperatives by an 11–0 roll call.
Supervisor Wiener, the resolution’s lead sponsor, described the action as "time sensitive" and said the sick-out was causing major disruption: "Muni is a absolutely crucial part of the life and the economy of our city." Wiener said the resolution also recognizes the difficult nature of Muni driving work and calls for both sides to pursue arbitration.
Several supervisors said they opposed the sick-out but sought to place the dispute in context. Supervisor Avalos said he "opposes the Muni drivers sick out" but urged the body to acknowledge the underlying causes, which extend to provisions in the city's charter adopted under 2010 Measure G that set a distinct arbitration process for Muni drivers. After discussion the board added neutral language to the resolution noting that "Measure G created a unique arbitration process for contract disputes with Muni drivers ... different from every other union representing non‑public‑safety city employees," language proposed by Supervisor Kim and accepted by the body.
Supervisor Breed said she found the sick-out irresponsible and said sick leave is not an appropriate substitute for a coordinated labor action. The board also debated chronology and prior charter reform efforts during the discussion.
After public comment and final amendments, the board adopted the amended imperative resolution urging drivers to return to work and both sides to use arbitration; members voted affirmatively on the procedural findings and then passed the resolution by unanimous or unanimous-sounding voice/roll-call procedures recorded in the meeting.
