Tentative Agreement Marks Progress Toward Protecting San Jose's Public Services

This agreement reflects the meaningful gains workers across San Jose have secured through sustained pressure, solidarity, and a commitment to standing together to make real progress.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 8, 2026, city workers represented by IFPTE Local 21 reached a tentative agreement with the City of San Jose following more than eight months of organizing, collective action, and negotiations. The agreement represents significant progress toward addressing workers' priorities, such as AI guardrails and employee retention, and securing a contract that recognizes and respects the workers who keep the city running.

Since the beginning of contract negotiations earlier this year, workers across all city departments have stood together to advocate for public services, their families, and the future of public services in San Jose. Through sustained organizing, solidarity actions, mediation, and fact-finding, workers demonstrated their commitment to reaching a fair agreement, while making clear that their concerns must be addressed.

"In a time of rising costs and economic uncertainty, our members showed up and made their voices heard, and stayed committed to making real progress that supports a stable workforce for our City. The progress made helps ensure that San Jose can continue to recruit and retain the skilled professionals our communities depend on," said Carlos Murillo, an Associate Engineer at SJC International Airport, IFPTE Local 21 Bargaining Team Member and South Bay Vice President. "While there is still a process to complete and future progress to be made, this agreement is an important step forward for working families, and the communities we serve."

The tentative agreement will now move through the union and City's formal ratification process. Workers remain committed to ensuring that the City's workforce is respected, supported, and equipped to continue delivering high-quality public services.

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SOURCE IFPTE Local 21