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Supervisors press Rec and Park, Laborers Local 261 to resolve disputes over gardener apprenticeship program
Summary
A lengthy Budget & Finance hearing reviewed the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department's state-certified gardener apprenticeship: department leaders described program structure, funding and placement steps; Laborers Local 261 raised concerns about hiring practices, equipment and "gaming" of hiring lists; the committee continued the item and requested a report back during the budget process.
The Budget & Finance Committee held an extended hearing May 1 on the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department—gardener apprenticeship program, called by Supervisor John Avalos to review program outcomes, hiring pathways and concerns raised by Laborers Local 261.
Phil Ginsberg, general manager of the Recreation and Park Department, said the department champions the apprenticeship program as part of a broader workforce-investment pipeline that helps maintain the city's parks, supports local hires and builds career ladders. He described the department's scope and staffing pressures and noted several workforce metrics showing program growth and improved park maintenance scores.
Anna Alvarez, superintendent of Parks and Open Spaces, said the state-certified gardener apprenticeship began in June 2010 (first apprentices deployed December 2010). She said there are 25 budgeted apprentice positions (22 currently filled) and the department has invested $2,200,000 in…
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