Last week, City of Hayward workers united in SEIU 1021 were out in force at the City Council meeting. Members spoke out against the cruel, unjust layoffs that are taking jobs away and hurting our community. Among the powerful speakers was Veronica Bartevian, who recently received a layoff notice while she was out of town on bereavement leave.

Bartevian said, ”The city must stop the layoffs. In my previous role at the library, I supported ESL grammar courses, citizenship programs, and adult literacy services. These free programs serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community. So I ask: How can our community thrive if free resources that build opportunity and confidence are cut entirely or back due to layoffs? Where can residents safely practice their English skills and overcome language barriers? Where can aspiring citizens receive help for their naturalization test? Where can adults improve their literacy skills? Who will fill the gaps for Hayward residents who have nowhere else to turn?

“Our community is suffering due to the subpar decisions you’re making. If you truly care about the well-being of our community stop the layoffs.”

Other speakers highlighted the human cost of the layoffs: the jobs lost, the services denied, and the dignity stripped from people being forced to suffer by decisions they did not make.

Council and the mayor heard these stories loud and clear, but this fight is nowhere near over. If you live or work in Hayward, please hold the date for Thursday, March 12, at 6 p.m., at HUSD Performing Arts Center (2390 Panama St.), when SEIU 1021 members will once again be making the case for good jobs and services for residents. Click here to RSVP!