Hundreds of San Francisco City Workers Rally as They Head Into Tough Contract Fight
In light of last summer’s PERB ruling that the SF City Charter cannot prohibit strikes, City workers are gearing up to do whatever necessary to protect vital public services
MEDIA ADVISORY for Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 12PM
Press Contacts:
Jennie Smith-Camejo, jennie.smith-camejo@seiu1021.org, (510) 710-0201
Luke Thibault, lthibault@ifpte21.org, (760) 534-9958
(San Francisco, CA) — On Wednesday, January 17th, San Francisco city workers represented by multiple unions will kick off their contract negotiations with a rally on the front steps of City Hall. Amidst escalating threats of budget cuts, these union members are standing up to protect the public services they provide and fix the biggest issues facing San Francisco.
“Public safety is top of mind for so many San Franciscans right now. To ensure public safety, we need full staffing,” said Burt Wilson (he/him), president of the SEIU 1021 911 dispatch chapter. “This is not the time for cutting public services, giving more tax breaks to corporations, or outsourcing public services to companies and organizations with little oversight or accountability. City Hall needs to invest in strengthening its workforce to make this city one residents, workers, and visitors alike can feel safe and welcome in.”
“Over 3,700 vacant permanent positions in the City and County is a crisis for San Francisco’s public services, from mental health treatment to sidewalk cleaning,” said Bianca Polovina (they/them), IFPTE Local 21 President. “We’re fighting to fix this.”
WHAT: Rally to kick off union contract negotiations with the CCSF Administration
WHERE: The front steps of San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl
WHEN: Wednesday, January 17th, 12pm
WHO: City and County of San Francisco employees: www.FixSFNow.org/whoweare
Some speakers include:
Aaron Peskin, SF Board of Supervisors, Board President
Connie Chan, SF Board of Supervisors, Budget Chair
Kim Tavaglione, SF Labor Council Executive Director
Larry Mazzola Jr., Business Manager/Financial Secretary Treasurer for UA Local 38, Plumbers & Pipefitters; SF Building and Construction Trades Council President
Spokespeople, including Spanish and Chinese speakers, will be available to members of the press before and after the speaker program.
BACKGROUND: www.FixSFNow.org/background
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The Public Employee Committee of the San Francisco Labor Council brings together over 30,000 dedicated public service workers among 26 unions.