Local 21, International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers v. City & County of San Francisco

Plaintiffs/appellants, Local 21 of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, AFL-CIO (Local 21), The Retired Employees of the City and County of San Francisco (TRE), and class representatives Loris Roulette, Nancy Gin, Anthony G. Sacco, and the class of all retirees similarly situated, appeal a judgment in favor of defendants/ respondents City and County of San Francisco (City) and its Health Service System Board in appellants’ class action for declaratory relief and writ of mandate compelling the City to provide its retirees the same City-funded dental benefits obtained by active employees through collective bargaining. Appellants also appeal the denial of their motion to tax costs. They contend the court erred in concluding they had not shown that the charter provisions at issue entitle retirees to the same dental benefits obtained by active employees through collective bargaining, and in awarding the City costs of notifying class members of the action. We affirm.

Background

Local 21 is a union representing certain active City employees. TRE is an organization comprised of approximately 3,500 retired City employees which exists in part for…