By Phil Matier

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 02: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) union workers with SEIU Local 1021 hold signs as they picket in front of the Lake Merritt station on July 2, 2013 in Oakland, California. For a second day, hundreds of thousands of San Francisco Bay Area commuters are scrambling to find ways to work after two of San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit's (BART) largest unions went on strike early yesterday morning following contract negotiations with management falling apart the day before. Train operators, mechanics, station agents and maintenance workers are seeking a five percent wage increase and are fighting management who want to have workers to begin contributing to their pensions, pay more for health insurance and reduce overtime expenses. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) union workers with SEIU Local 1021 hold signs as they picket in front of the Lake Merritt station on July 2, 2013 in Oakland. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed is leading an effort to put an initiative before voters allowing cities to renegotiate pensions for existing public employees—as well as new hires. Meanwhile, State Assembly candidate Steve Glazer from Orinda, is pushing an initiative preventing transit employees from striking in the future.
So what does this say about the relationship between labor unions and California Democrats?

Phil MatierWhether it's politics, personalities or analysis Phil Matier is one of best informed insiders in the Bay Area.
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