In Novato, a three-day strike by more than 60 unionized city employees just wrapped up. The standoff has put a glaring spotlight on a labor dispute that’s been simmering for months.
These workers, represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021, walked off the job. They say city leaders broke promises tied to voter-approved Measure M funds and engaged in unfair labor practices.
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The strike disrupted city services and stirred up heated debates across Marin County. People from San Rafael to Mill Valley are now asking tough questions about how public funds get spent and how city labor negotiations should really work.
A Three-Day Strike That Stopped Novato in Its Tracks
The strike began earlier this week and ended Friday when union leaders told city officials they’d return to work. Jana Blunt, an SEIU field rep, said the alternative work schedule influenced the timing—most employees don’t work Fridays, so ending then just made sense.
Impact on City Services Across Novato
City officials had warned residents that some programs—including parks and recreation camps—would remain canceled even after the strike ended. Staffing backlogs made it impossible to snap everything back to normal right away.
Families across Novato, from Pleasant Valley to Hamilton, felt the disruption. Kids missed out on summer activities, and parents scrambled to find last-minute childcare.
Why Measure M Is at the Heart of the Dispute
Union members insist the strike wasn’t just about pay. For them, it’s a matter of trust.
Measure M, which voters passed in November, replaced an older local sales tax and is expected to bring in about $10 million annually for city services—think public safety, road repairs, emergency response, and park maintenance. Workers claim city leaders haven’t followed through on promises to use those funds as intended.
The Vote That Fueled the Walkout
Frustration among city staff has been growing since Measure M passed. Last week, 98% of the union’s bargaining unit voted to authorize the strike—a rare show of unity.
Union members argue the city is mishandling locally controlled revenue. They want clear commitments about how that money will support services and staffing.
Scenes from the Strike
On Tuesday, employees rallied outside Novato City Hall. They wore purple union shirts, waved picket signs, and chanted for fairness and transparency.
Traffic slowed near Grant Avenue as residents honked in support. The scene brought back memories of past labor actions in Marin towns like Fairfax and Larkspur, where public employees have also taken to the streets.
The Road Back to the Bargaining Table
After two and a half tense days, both sides returned to negotiations Thursday. Another bargaining session is already set for Wednesday.
City spokespersons say they want an agreement that balances fiscal responsibility with employee needs. It’s a tough line to walk, and other Marin towns like Corte Madera and Sausalito know the feeling all too well.
What’s Next for Novato’s Workforce and Residents
The picket lines are gone, but the community still feels the aftershocks. Parents wonder when recreational programs will be back, and city employees head to work—still frustrated, but maybe a bit hopeful.
For folks from Marin City to Terra Linda, it’s hard not to wonder:
- How will Measure M funds actually get used from here on out?
- Is it possible to reach fair agreements through collective bargaining without shutting down essential services?
- Could this strike become a blueprint for other unionized workers in Marin County towns?
The Bigger Picture in Marin County Labor Relations
This Novato labor dispute really shows a bigger challenge for public agencies in Marin County. They’re trying to balance tight budgets with promises made to workers and voters—never a simple task.
From San Anselmo to Tiburon, you’ll hear the same conversations. Cities face rising costs, limited resources, and the pressure of an electorate that’s paying attention.
As Novato’s negotiations drag on, residents are watching. They want to see if city officials and union leaders can find some middle ground.
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Here is the source article for this story: Novato city employees conclude three-day strike, return to bargaining table
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