Progressive and labor-friendly politicians have enjoyed a majority on the San Jose City Council for the past two years, but the November elections may flip the balance. Formidable business-backed candidates advanced in every council race during the March 5 primaries, which could spell trouble for the South Bay Labor Council — the main cultivator of...
San Jose leaders want budget to focus on housing, homelessness
San Jose officials have a daunting task of balancing the budget as they attempt to preserve city services with a $52.1 million shortfall. The San Jose City Council unanimously approved Mayor Matt Mahan’s March budget message on Tuesday, but not before numerous councilmembers added their own amendments around housing, homelessness and other city services. Over the next few months, councilmembers,...
San Jose fast-food workers grill city leaders for better rights
Dozens of fast-food workers flooded the San Jose City Council chambers on Tuesday, demanding their representatives pass a policy to expand workers rights. Workers asked councilmembers to include a rule that enables fast-food workers in the city to accrue paid time off and get a paid day for an annual training that educates workers on...
San Jose pushes to expand police alternative for mental health crises
Weeks before the San Jose City Council sat down to discuss this year’s budget, advocates and residents sounded the alarm about gaps in mental health services and asked officials to expand access to a non-police response program. Councilmembers on Tuesday unanimously voted to explore adding another mobile field team, known as TRUST, in the budget...
San Jose labor leader questions strength of city’s wage theft rules
San Jose officials have gotten stricter about labor protections over the last year, disqualifying companies with a history of wage theft from winning city contracts. But labor advocates say the city still isn’t doing enough to protect workers. South Bay labor leaders question whether companies with a history of lower level infractions and no state...