On Tuesday, September 22, nearly 100 SEIU 1021 members at Peralta Community College District (PCCD), along with community supporters, came together at Berkeley City College for the SEIU 1021 bargaining kickoff rally. Students, security guards, former PCCD staff, and passersby stopped, listened, asked questions, and stood with workers as members made clear why what happens at the bargaining table impacts everyone.

“Many of our classified are alumni of our colleges, several have built their entire careers inside the district, and the lucky few of us who are able to afford to live here are constituents of our board and the areas that represent,” said Facilities Project Coordinator Jamille Teer. “From our cooks and childcare workers up through our business office supervisors, network services coordinators and project managers; everyone in our unit is deserving of not only safe working conditions, but a living wage that allows for folks to be able to live here in the communities they work in and support day in and day out.”

Members were united and supportive of one another throughout the rally. There were loud boos when speakers shared frustrations about takeaways and attacks on safety language, and loud cheers when speakers called on members to stand together and push back.

After the rally, more than 25 members marched into the PCCD Board of Trustees meeting. Even members who had not planned to speak or had never spoken at a Board meeting before spoke during public comment, stepping up because they understand what is at stake. Their voices made clear that this contract is not just about individual issues at the bargaining table—it is about PCCD staff working conditions and the quality of the colleges and services provided to students.

“I felt the solidarity and support among our members who attended, representing every worksite in our chapter.  It’s a commitment to come out to board meetings and actions, so I’m proud that members took time out of their personal lives to step up and show out,” said Senior Admissions and Records Clerk Richard Thoele.

“While I’m always proud to be among fellow chapter members, I was especially proud to see new faces who were interested in the contract and asking amazing questions of the folks on our bargaining team, and to see longstanding employees who haven’t been the most active union participants show up to support efforts to secure a strong contract,” added Teer.

The rally also sparked conversations, including with former PCCD staff, who saw the union tent and wanted to know what was happening and how they could support. 

One of the most powerful moments came after union members walked out of the Board meeting. A newer student approached the chapter president and shared that he had just started attending PCCD and working as a student-worker only a few weeks ago, and, after hearing members speak during public comment, he offered his solidarity.

That is another example of why union actions matter. When we stand up publicly, people can hear directly from workers about their fight, and they begin to understand that a fair contract is connected to the experience of students and the broader community.

Bargaining is back in session this week, and the bargaining team will keep showing up and fighting for a fair contract—but they can’t win this fight alone. Every member who attends an action, speaks out, talks to a coworker, or wears purple on Purple Mondays strengthens the union’s position at the table.