Oakland city workers back on the job after strike suspended

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Oakland city employees returned to work Tuesday after a seven-day walkout as contract talks continue.

About 3,000 city employees had gone on strike Dec. 5, disrupting libraries, programs for seniors and children and other city services. The workers are asking for wage increases. Officials say the city would have to fire scores of workers to come up with the money for the requested raises.

RELATED: Strike suspended as negotiations continue in Oakland

"While we didn't settle a contract...city negotiators have adopted a new tone and demonstrated flexibility and openness to continue negotiations," Felipe Cuevas, Oakland chapter president of Service Employees International Union, said in a statement to the East Bay Times late Monday.

Businesswoman Caitlyn Schleifer was one of many Oakland residents feeling the impact of the strike, telling broadcaster KGO that her new pet store was waiting for final city inspections. "We have no idea when we can open," Schleifer said.