San Jose Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Strike

Thousands of San Jose city workers, represented by IFPTE Local 21 and MEF-AFSCME Local 101, are set to go on strike starting August 15 after failed salary negotiations. The strike, which is the largest in recent history, will last for three days and impact various city-run services. The unions are demanding an 18% raise over the next three years to address the high cost of living and job competitiveness. The city's best and final offer is 5% for the first year, 4% for the second, and 3% for the third. The unions argue that the city has the funds to meet their demands, while the city claims it cannot afford to do so without cutting vital services.