Norwalk's Labor Crisis: A Dead End for Union Workers?

Ladies and Gentlemen, BUYERS BEWARE! The City of Norwalk, Calif., is in a world of trouble. This “connected community” has a major disconnect with its own workforce, represented by the IAM Union. More than 500 city employees are in a precarious situation as their current collective bargaining agreement nears its end in June. Progress toward a new agreement is STALLED, and union representatives are crying foul, accusing the city of union-busting tactics.

Jennifer Friesen, a former Norwalk City worker and now an IAM District 947 Business Representative, pulled no punches at the April 15 City Council meeting. “The city continues to engage in union-busting tactics,” she declared. “Tactics that are not only illegal but also deeply disrespectful to public servants that keep this city running day in and day out. These are workers that have committed years and often decades of their lives serving this community.”

The mayor’s response? “Let’s start off on a high note,” he said, quickly adjourning the meeting without addressing the workforce’s concerns. The IAM represents public safety officers, public works employees, transit system workers, city social services employees, recreation, and administrative staff—all essential to keeping Norwalk running smoothly.

But the city’s management tactics are anything but smooth. Union members report encountering “my way or the highway” management when raising even minor concerns. The city manager defended placing management in a separate, more comprehensive insurance bracket, claiming it was warranted due to the “higher stress” faced by administrative staff. This has caused frustration among frontline workers, who are engaged in labor-intensive duties and require strong health to perform their jobs effectively.

These same employees were recently recognized in a city-produced video for completing 45 lane miles of road improvements, adding ADA-compliant ramps and crossings, and organizing eight citywide cleanup events in 2024. Yet, rising insurance premiums are increasingly shifting financial responsibility onto them, raising equity concerns within the workforce.

A primary concern raised by employees is the persistent issue of understaffing across multiple departments. While the city currently lists only five job openings, many teams continue to operate below necessary staffing levels. The city manager has acknowledged the situation, noting an intent to leave certain positions vacant indefinitely. This shortage has placed significant strain on existing staff, with some employees required to work overtime for City events or remain on extended after-hours on-call duty—sometimes for weeks at a time. These on-call requirements severely limit personal time and restrict mobility, even on weekends.

Additionally, the City’s increasing reliance on contracting out bargaining unit work to external vendors—rather than investing in internal hires—has become a serious concern for the union. Not only does this practice raise questions about long-term workforce sustainability and fair labor practices, but it also contributes to the weakening of Norwalk’s local economy by outsourcing good-paying union jobs that would otherwise support workers and families within the community.

“It’s about respect, dignity, and justice on the job for our members,” said IAM Western Territory Special Representative Ashley Gunckel. “What our members have built up over many years of collective bargaining is being dismantled by men who see us as obstacles to their quotas, not partners in a professional relationship to benefit both sides.”

Local 1957 President Mike Armendariz also spoke at the April 15 Council Meeting. “Most of our members are more than city employees,” he said. “We are your neighbors. We live here. We support local businesses. Send our kids to Norwalk schools and invest in the well-being of Norwalk every single day, both on and off duty.”

Of the union’s proposals to settle the stalemate, the city has ignored over 70% of the proposals and/or requests for information. The city hired employment law firm Liebert, Cassidy, and Whitmore (LCW) to deal with negotiations. Even a request for information about the cost of the contract between LCW and the city was met with a diversion to file a freedom of information request through the city clerk’s office.

“Respect and honesty cost virtually nothing,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “To see the city of Norwalk treating our members with indifference is disheartening and disgusting. Our Local 1957 members won’t back down. Together, with solidarity, we will succeed in denying this union-busting campaign, and we will be stronger for that effort.”

Maybe city leaders should take note of the other major highway in Norwalk, Interstate 105, Century Freeway. Much like the city’s attempts to use union-busting against the IAM, it’s a dead end at Studebaker.

The situation in Norwalk is a wake-up call for cities across the nation. Labor disputes can have far-reaching implications, impacting not just the workers but the entire community. The city’s financial stability, its ability to maintain essential services, and its future economic development are all at stake. The outcome of these negotiations will not only impact city employees but also the overall health and resilience of the Norwalk community. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how they address these pressing labor issues while fostering a supportive environment for all residents.