San Jose city workers, represented by IFPTE Local 21, reached a tentative agreement with the City of San Jose on October 8, 2026. This development follows more than eight months of sustained organizing, collective action, and focused negotiations. The agreement signifies important progress toward addressing key worker priorities. Among these priorities are the establishment of AI guardrails and strategies for employee retention within city departments. The goal is to secure a contract that acknowledges and respects the workers who are essential to maintaining the city's operations and public services.
Since contract negotiations began earlier in the year, workers across various city departments have consistently united. Their collective advocacy focused on safeguarding public services, supporting their families, and ensuring the future of public services for San Jose residents. This commitment was demonstrated through ongoing organizing efforts, solidarity actions, and participation in mediation and fact-finding processes. These actions aimed to clearly communicate their concerns and their dedication to reaching a fair agreement that met their needs.
Carlos Murillo, who serves as an Associate Engineer at SJC International Airport, is also a member of the IFPTE Local 21 Bargaining Team and holds the position of South Bay Vice President. Murillo commented on the members' role in achieving this outcome. He noted that in a time characterized by rising costs and general economic uncertainty, members "showed up and made their voices heard," consistently working toward real progress to support a stable workforce for the City of San Jose. Murillo further emphasized that the progress made through this agreement is crucial for ensuring that San Jose can continue to recruit and retain the skilled professionals upon whom local communities depend for essential services.
Murillo also acknowledged that the process is not fully complete, and further progress will be necessary in the future. However, he affirmed that this current agreement constitutes an important step forward for the working families of San Jose and the communities they serve. The tentative agreement is now set to move through the formal ratification procedures required by both the union and the City. Throughout this next phase, workers maintain their commitment to ensuring that the City's workforce receives the respect and support needed, and that they are properly equipped to continue delivering high-quality public services to all San Jose residents.