Public works employees and union representatives press Rohnert Park council for equity raises amid contract talks

Union representatives and several city public‑works employees used the June 24 public‑comment period to press the council for stronger contract terms and equity adjustments.

Alan Burton, field representative for SEIU Local 1021, said his members — who work in public works, utilities and general services — have seen wages fall behind inflation. He asked the council for one‑on‑one meetings with bargaining teams and requested a 3% equity adjustment plus a 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment to make pay more competitive.

Brandon Keck, the city arborist, and David Owen, a water‑system supervisor, told the council their units have seen only modest raises while costs have risen; Keck said public‑works positions are about 16% below market in his department and described the staffing shortages and the personal impact of limited pay gains. Owen urged the council to bargain in good faith so the city’s utilities and public‑works departments do not become a “revolving door.”

Council members acknowledged the comments and noted they would continue to engage with the bargaining unit; no formal bargaining action was taken at the meeting.

The comments came ahead of continued negotiations with city management and follow routine public‑comment protocols; union representatives said they had submitted petitions and sought timely meetings with council representatives and bargaining teams.