Stockton voters have approved Measure N with more than 60% support, granting equal negotiating power to the city and its police and fire unions. The measure introduces a board of arbitrators to resolve contract disputes, ensuring balanced input from both sides.
“It evenly places the power between the city and the police and fire unions where before it was all on the city,” said Sgt. Patrick High, President of the Stockton Police Officers Association.
The measure’s passage is seen as a step toward addressing public safety staffing shortages, particularly for Stockton police, which currently faces about 70 vacancies. High expressed optimism that Measure N will make Stockton a more attractive option for officers in a competitive job market. “It’s a message when people want to decide where to work, that this is a place people want to come,” he said.
Stockton’s police department currently offers the lowest pay among several nearby cities, trailing by about $2,000 annually. While signing bonuses and relocation checks have helped, High believes Measure N will be a “game changer,” potentially bringing back former officers and attracting new talent.
For the Stockton Fire Department, Measure N restores binding arbitration, a tool last used in 2010. “In the history of the fire department having binding arbitration, we never had to use it because we always came to a compromise,” said Mario Gardea, President of the Stockton Firefighters Union Local 456. He views the measure as an additional resource for successful negotiations.
Despite voter approval, city leaders have expressed concerns about potential financial risks, including fears of bankruptcy. Councilmember Dan Wright voiced his opposition during a July meeting, saying, “I support our police and firefighters 100%, but there are other ways to support them.”
Measure N will take effect on January 6, 2025, when it will first be applied in union negotiations. Advocates hope the measure will lead to a stronger and more competitive public safety workforce for Stockton.