REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Service Worker Retention Ordinance (Study Issue OCM 20-01)
Report
BACKGROUND
At the January 14, 2020, Council meeting, a representative of Unite Here Local Union 19 requested that Council adopt a Service Worker Retention Ordinance. Council directed staff to study how such an ordinance might be implemented in Sunnyvale and to conduct community outreach to gather input.
This Study Issue was ranked as the top study issue for the Office of the City Manager at the 2020 Study Issues Workshop, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Staff resumed research and analysis in 2024 and, at the 2025 Study Issues Workshop, recommended dropping this issue, noting that no comparable city without a convention center had adopted a similar ordinance. Council asked staff to conduct additional outreach, including engagement with Unite Here Local Union 19, and return with the findings.
Staff have now completed this additional research and outreach and present the results for Council consideration.
EXISTING POLICY
Policy 5.1.1 Socio-Economic -Goal 5.1D Support efforts to create employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals, disabled individuals, minorities, women, youth and others with special employment needs
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
A service worker retention ordinance generally requires new contractors to retain existing employees for a 90-day transition period when service contracts change hands. The intent of these ordinances is to provide stability for workers, reduce the risk of service disruptions, and preserve institutional knowledge. Large cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, S...
Click here for full text