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SEIU representatives tell Riverside council bargaining has stalled; 99% strike authorization cited
Summary
SEIU speakers told the council their members feel disrespected in bargaining and said a 99% strike authorization reflects deep frustration; union representatives urged the city to return with serious proposals to avoid a strike.
Union representatives addressed the City Council during public comment on July 15, pressing city leaders to advance collective-bargaining talks and warning that members are prepared to strike if their demands for fair wages and process are not met.
Barbara Hunter, who identified herself as representing the SEIU bargaining team for city employees, said frontline workers have been treated as "second-class" compared with other bargaining units and described a 99% strike-authorization vote among members. Ernesto Guerrero, also speaking for SEIU, criticized the chief negotiator's conduct and recounted prior instances where the city's proposals were insufficient; he said the union had filed unfair-labor-practice complaints and urged a fair process and serious proposals to keep members on the job.
Council members acknowledged receipt of the comments. Council Member Cervantes said she and other council members met with SEIU representatives and that city staff are taking the concerns seriously; no formal bargaining action was taken at the meeting itself. The union said its goal is not to strike but that members who live paycheck to paycheck may be forced into that position if proposals do not improve.
The council did not vote or direct an immediate bargaining action during the meeting, but staff and council members publicly thanked city employees and reiterated a willingness to continue negotiations.
