Hundreds of Oakland city workers rallied against proposed budget cuts that could lead to the elimination of nearly 100 jobs. The city is facing a substantial budget deficit and is aiming to reduce spending by targeting non-sworn police department and public works employees. Union leaders and affected employees are vowing to fight the cuts, arguing that the city administration should be held accountable for the budget shortfall rather than laying off essential workers.
City workers in Oakland staged a demonstration outside city hall on Tuesday after approximately 100 pink slips were issued to employees who are now battling to retain their positions. The city is grappling with a budget deficit of nearly $130 million. The proposed cuts would primarily affect non-sworn personnel within the police department and public works employees. News of the layoffs first emerged in late January.
A total of 77 positions are scheduled for elimination by the end of February, with the city's Public Works Department bearing the brunt of the reductions. Jennifer Foster, an employee of the Oakland Police Department, is among those who received a layoff notice. She expressed her concerns about the potential consequences of eliminating positions like hers, stating, 'We provide essential services. Without them, our community will be less safe. Workers and the community cannot be held accountable for the failure to responsibly manage revenue collection and the budget correctly. We must protect our workers and city services.'Union leaders are resolute in their opposition to the job cuts. SEIU Local 1021 President Antoinette Blue stated to CBS News Bay Area last month, 'The fact that the city administration failed to properly manage the budget should not fall on the backs of city employees.' Oakland has already implemented temporary closures of two fire stations in the Oakland Hills to address the budget deficit, which has raised anxieties among residents, particularly in light of the devastating Southern California wildfires
Budget Cuts Layoffs Oakland City Workers Union Protest
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