**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/12/26**

Contact: Jennie Smith-Camejo, 510-710-0201, jennie.smith-camejo@seiu1021.org

Tuesday, February 12, dozens of employees of Progress Foundation, a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization that provides housing and residential services across the city, Sonoma County, and Napa County for people with mental illness and severe substance abuse issues, picketed the agency’s central office during their lunch break. They are demanding a fair contract, including safety policies and protocols and equitable benefits.

DOWNLOAD VIDEO, INCLUDING B-ROLL & INTERVIEW, & PHOTOS HERE

“Some of my coworkers have been attacked by some of our clients, and there really aren’t good safety protocols in place,” said Ramon Cossey, a residential counselor in an acute diversion unit at Progress Foundation. “I haven’t been trained in anything safety-related, and the only safety protocol we have currently is keep an eye out for yourself and watch out. I was stuck by a needle while I was on the job and I had to take medication for a month to make sure that I’m safe because I wasn’t properly trained in safety protocols. That’s the case across the programs.“

Safety issues are compounded by inappropriate placements—accepting clients who need a higher level of care than what can be provided at a residential facility that does not have any full-time medical staff.

Workers say that Progress Foundation suffers from very high turnover, due to the combination of unsafe working conditions and low pay. Currently, the salary schedule caps out at five years with no longevity increases or bonuses, meaning pay becomes stagnant very quickly. The high turnover has led to chronic short staffing, which makes the environment less safe for employees and clients alike.

Workers are demanding improved safety policies, protocols, and training, as well as a pay structure that rewards longevity and equitable benefits. The organization currently offers a 403(b) match only to employees who are not part of a union.

###

SEIU Local 1021 represents nearly 60,000 employees in local governments, nonprofit agencies, health care programs, courts, and schools throughout Northern California, including seven private colleges and numerous community colleges. SEIU Local 1021 is a diverse, member-driven organization with members who work to make our cities, schools, colleges, counties, and special districts safe and healthy places to live and raise our families.