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Palmdale council recognizes Teamsters Local 986, creates new public works supervisory bargaining unit
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Summary
On April 7, 2026 the Palmdale City Council unanimously adopted Resolution CC 2026-017 to establish a Public Works Maintenance Division Supervisory and Confidential bargaining unit and recognize Teamsters Local 986 as the exclusive representative; supporters said it will add stability for 13 supervisors while some commenters warned of budget impacts.
The Palmdale City Council on April 7 adopted a resolution establishing a new Public Works Maintenance Division Supervisory and Confidential bargaining unit and recognized Teamsters Local 986 as its exclusive representative for wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment. Council members voted unanimously to adopt Resolution CC 2026-017.
The measure, introduced by city staff, will cover classifications including superintendents, analysts and administrative assistants within the Public Works Maintenance Division and expressly excludes the classification of office assistant, Human Resources Director Yvette Barrios told the council. Barrios said the unit will place supervisory classifications within the existing public works maintenance bargaining structure and recommended council approval.
Union leaders and public works employees urged the council to approve the recognition. "The union exists to bring a level of stability and security to the staff," Evan Armstrong, chief steward for Teamsters Local 986, said during public comment, adding that organizing often follows periods of workplace instability. Paul Wood, the city's landscape superintendent of 26 years, said collective representation helps sustain quality services and collaboration. "When we come together in good faith, great things happen," Wood said. Fleet superintendent Adam Dyer and park superintendent Steven Montenegro also spoke in favor of the resolution, saying the change would support continuity and professionalism among supervisors.
Council discussion emphasized keeping skilled maintenance work in-house and the value of workforce stability. "You really are the backbone of our city," a council member said in support of the staff recommendation, adding that investing in trained, local public-works employees can reduce the need for outside contractors.
Several members of the public urged caution about the budgetary impact. Jason Zink said the move "is about money" and warned it could reduce funds for services and community projects; he urged limits on campaign contributions from unions and developers. Council members acknowledged the financial considerations but said the new unit includes only 13 people and argued the stability benefits outweigh short-term cost concerns.
A motion to adopt the staff recommendation was made and seconded by council members; the council approved Resolution CC 2026-017 unanimously (yes: 4, absent: 1), formally creating the supervisory bargaining unit and recognizing Teamsters Local 986 as the exclusive representative.
The council paused briefly following the vote and returned to complete other agenda items. The resolution will allow the recognized unit and city staff to negotiate wages, hours and other conditions under the council's adopted labor framework; the council did not adopt any specific salary changes during the April 7 meeting. The council also directed staff to return with related implementation details as needed.
