According to officials, the city of Oakland is preparing for widespread layoffs that might affect dozens of public employees next month.
Officials will need to make some significant adjustments someplace because the city is struggling with a budget deficit of around $130 million. By the end of February, 77 jobs will be cut, with the city’s Public Works Department bearing the brunt of the cuts.
Antoinette Blue, president of SEIU Local 1021, and other union officials have vowed to oppose the layoffs.
“The fact that the city administration failed to properly manage the budget should not fall on the backs of city employees,” Blue stated.
She called the city’s announcement of the layoffs of public employees unfair and maybe unlawful, and she was incensed.
“They had no regard for civil service. “I have 23-year-old employees on this list for layoffs, and people who have been there for two years are still there,” Blue stated.
The layoffs are required to assist address the city’s anticipated financial deficit, according to a memo distributed to staff members by municipal administrator Jestin Johnson.
The administrator acknowledged that while determining which employees would be let go, the city took into account their seniority and reinstatement rights.
According to Ken Houston, the recently elected councilman for District 7, the city administration is following all the rules, he told CBS News Bay Area.
“The city administrator had to make a tough choice. It was really challenging. Three employees from his office were also laid off, if you look at this list. So consider that,” Houston remarked.
26 jobs from the Public Works Department and 19 from the Police Department are on that list of positions that will be removed; however, sworn officers are not included in that figure.
According to Blue, reducing that number of jobs will inevitably affect services.
For instance, there is a property specialist on that list. This person is in charge of processing all of the evidence that police officers gather from crime scenes, correct? So, is there going to be a delay in the processing of evidence, which is obviously necessary for the charging of a case and its processing?” Blue inquired.
However, Councilman Houston stated that he is certain that regular services won’t be impacted by these changes.
“Jestin Johnson is someone I know very well. I agree with his choice, and I firmly believe that these cuts won’t affect the services that we depend on on a daily basis,” Houston added.
Blue, however, is not buying into the city’s claims. According to her, her union intends to fight these cuts all the way through.
“Our legal team is in communication with us. Everyone is focused on this. This is being watched, and we will fight this through to the very end. “We will fight it to the death,” Blue declared.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.