Employees voice payroll concerns at SFU board meeting

The City of San Francisco held a government meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on employee payroll issues and the implementation of a new payroll system. The meeting began with public comments from employees expressing concerns about the stress and difficulties associated with the current payroll process, particularly regarding the handling of 403(b) retirement plans and the user interface for submitting timesheets.

Several employees highlighted the challenges they face when submitting timesheets, noting that the current system often leads to mistakes that require correction by administrative staff. One employee emphasized the need for a more user-friendly interface to alleviate these issues. Another employee echoed these sentiments, calling for more proactive support from the Empower team, which manages payroll inquiries.

During the meeting, Commissioner Sanchez inquired about the number of employees affected by payroll issues, revealing that approximately 1,000 employees had experienced difficulties at some point, with around 200 currently facing varying degrees of issues. The discussion also touched on the historical context of the payroll system, explaining that the transition to a digital timesheet process was intended to modernize operations but has resulted in complications.

The board discussed the financial implications of the ongoing payroll issues, with Vice President Bogus expressing concern over the costs associated with resolving these problems, especially in light of the city's structural deficit. The board members agreed on the importance of providing regular updates to the community regarding the progress of the payroll system improvements and the associated costs.

As the meeting progressed, the board moved to address the establishment of a virtual academy for the upcoming school year, indicating a shift in focus towards educational initiatives. The motion to suspend the rules for public comment on this item was made and seconded, signaling the continuation of the meeting's agenda.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by city employees regarding payroll management and the need for improvements in the system. The board's commitment to addressing these issues and providing transparency to the community was a key takeaway from the discussions. Further updates on the payroll system's progress and financial implications are anticipated in future meetings.