Breaking News Update on Dec. 17, 2024.

Related Story: 2-Day Strike Begins at City of Fresno. More Than 300 Bus Routes Canceled.

Original Story

Architects, engineers, accountants, and department supervisors at the city of Fresno will begin their strike Tuesday morning unless an 11th-hour offer comes, the group’s union representative says.

While the Fresno’s Professional Employees Association is calling on all of the 400-plus workers under their contract to begin action Tuesday at 4 a.m., the city has asked that some positions be exempted, said Jesse Gonzalez, president of the union.

“We are currently going over that list,” Gonzalez said in a text message to GV Wire.

City Says It’s Being Fiscally Responsible. Workers Seek 3% Raises.

The city gave its last, best, and final offer to the union in October. While the city offered a 2% salary increase and a one-time 1% payment, union members are asking for 3% hikes to their salary maximums, Gonzalez said.

Workers also want scheduling changes, allowing for one day a week without getting phone calls, Gonzalez said. The city has rejected the request, he said.

The city said on Dec. 10 that its offer matches those to other groups and is “fiscally responsible.”

During a special city council meeting Friday, councilmember Miguel Arias said sales tax revenues have dropped the past two quarters.

Gonzalez said the city’s unrepresented workers received a 3% increase to their salary maximums.