#wage-dispute

#wage-dispute

Engineers of the City of Santa Clara, which represents dozens of engineers, recently sent a letter to the City Council demanding fair treatment for all employees amid growing concerns over retaliation, retention and wages. The letter, signed by seven of the city's 10 classified employee unions, cites Santa Clara's proposed dismissal of longtime electrical engineer Julia Black, who was placed on paid administrative leave in September.

Nicks noted that he told the city manager and City Council in January that firefighters want a work week reduction and the same kind of wage offer EMS and Austin Police have achieved. Basically, Nicks said, while police and EMS employees received wage increases close to 6 percent, 5 percent and 4 percent, the city is offering most firefighters no general wage increase in the first, second, third and fourth years of the contract.