We Keep Austin Running - Support ALL Public Workers!
Mayor Kirk Watson, City Manager T.C. Broadnax and Austin City Council
The strength of our city lies in the dedication of its workers—from those who keep our streets clean, maintain our parks, ensure our water is safe, to those electricians who keep our lights on. Every day, city workers show up to serve Austin, making it a place we’re proud to call home.
The proposed $218 million police contract risks diverting essential funding from other critical city services. Without transparency and a balanced approach, thousands of hardworking public employees may face shrinking budgets and limited resources. This affects everyone—because when the services we rely on are underfunded, our entire community is impacted.
We believe that no worker should be left behind. By signing this petition, you’re standing with those who tirelessly serve our city—ensuring fairness for sanitation workers, public health staff, park maintenance teams, and many others. You’re calling for an assurance that future budgets respect and support every worker who makes Austin a safe, healthy, and vibrant community.
Together, we can make sure all city workers have a voice, and that our city continues to thrive for everyone. Sign this petition to demand fairness, transparency, and equity for all
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Mayor Kirk Watson, City Manager T.C. Broadnax and Austin City Council
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[Your Name]
Public service is more than just a job; it’s a commitment. Every day, 13,500 city employees—the backbone of Austin—show up to serve our community. They keep our streets clean before dawn, ensure our water is safe around the clock, maintain our parks and pools, coordinate emergency responses, and work tirelessly in 100+ degree heat to keep Austin running smoothly. We, the undersigned, stand with these workers and demand transparency, equity, and fairness in your budget decisions.
AFSCME Local 1624 has serious concerns regarding the city's proposed Tentative Agreement due to the potential significant impact it could have on future budgets and the ability to adequately fund other essential city services.
We respect the rights of all our first responders, including police, EMS, and firefighters, to negotiate for fair wages and benefits. However, when certain groups do not have a seat at the table, they are left out of the conversation and their interests are at risk. Despite representing 4,500 members, AFSCME Local 1624 feels exactly that—left out, with future department budgets and personnel potentially on the chopping block. We cannot allow that to happen. Our voice is our power, and we urge you to use your power to protect and uplift all city employees.
The proposed $218 million police contract has raised concerns about the impact it will have on other essential city services in the future. While we fully support competitive wages for our police officers, it is crucial to recognize the needs of the thousands of city employees who keep Austin running smoothly and make our community strong. We need a balanced approach that does not compromise the services our community depends on, such as public health, water services, parks, and infrastructure maintenance.
Fair treatment and respect for every worker are at the core of what makes Austin thrive. The city cannot invest heavily in one department while expecting others to continue to provide vital services with limited resources. This approach risks weakening the very services that keep Austin vibrant, safe, and healthy.
From public health to parks, infrastructure, utilities, emergency communications, and beyond, city workers are on the frontlines, ensuring that Austin’s neighborhoods remain strong. Whether working outdoors in scorching heat to repair infrastructure, behind a desk handling administrative duties, or coordinating emergency calls, every city worker plays an essential role in keeping Austin running smoothly. We ask you to advocate for fairness across the board, so that every employee—from those picking up garbage before dawn to those managing budgets and providing essential support—receives the commitment and respect they deserve from the city.
We urge you to build fair and sustainable future budgets that lift up every department, engage with all stakeholders, and ensure that no city employee is left behind. Together, we can create a fiscally responsible plan that supports all workers and ensures Austin continues to be a thriving city for everyone.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and for your commitment to the well-being of all city workers.