Fremont--Over 100 Water District workers will march en masse into the Alameda County Water District boardroom to highlight the abuses in working conditions and fight back drastic healthcare takeaways. The workers say huge safety problems persist at the Water District.

“When emergencies occur I’m happy to provide the long needed hours to get water service back into Alameda County homes. If the job takes 24-hours to fix the water problem, I don’t mind.  But I am sick and tired of having to use my vacation time or sick time to get some rest after 24-hour shift,” said Jeremy Stoner, Alameda County Water District Utility Worker and Member of SEIU 1021.

The workers are in fierce contract battle with the water district. The water district management are limiting the services to the public by understaffing departments and driving out highly skilled workers by offering drastic cuts in benefits while proposing a rate increase to the public.

“As years go by, water district management doesn’t address these issues, we’re left asking, “Don’t they understand that if they don’t address the understaffing and safety concerns no one is going to want to work here and these jobs are hard to fill,” said Stoner.

Event

What: Rally To Improve Worker Safety and Keep Our Healthcare Stable

Where: Alameda County Water District, 43885 South Grimmer, Fremont CA, 94538

When: Thursday, March 13, 2008—Action starts at 5PM and we mach in masse into the building at 6PM