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San Francisco Newsletter: January 2021
Welcome to the first issue of our new recurring monthly newsletter for SEIU 1021 members in San Francisco. You can read our most recent issue here.
Keep reading to see recaps of the big fights our members have taken on in the last month, as well as updates on ongoing campaigns around the city and stories celebrating some of our union’s most recent victories.
Relive our 2021 Black History Month Celebrations
Last year was bittersweet; there was significant turmoil as well many triumphs. The plight of Black African Americans reached the World’s stage and our local answered the call to fight for justice while stating proudly that ‘Black Lives Matter’.
Our Social and Economic Justice (SEJ) Committee has put together a month-long program to celebrate the history and contributions of Africans Americans through virtual symposiums. Come join us during this time of renewal to celebrate greatness with us, and to nurture a new age of prosperity and hope.
FAST Recovery Act: A New Bill To Supersize California Fast Food Workers’ Power to Fight for Safe Workplaces
On January 15, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez introduced the FAST Recovery Act, or AB 257, with support of SEIU California and thousands of fast food workers organizing with the Fight for $15. FAST in the title stands for Fast-food Accountability and STandards—and that is exactly what the bill aims to accomplish.
“We want COVID leave and better protection. We want to be respected as people.”
On Dr. King's Birthday, Fast Food Workers Went on Strike for Safe Working Conditions, a Federal $15 Minimum Wage, and a Union
January 15, 2021 – On the birthday of beloved Civil Rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., fast-food workers in Oakland and Sacramento California banned together with fast-food workers in 15 cities across the country to strike for safe working conditions, fight for a $15 federal minimum wage, and a union.
Making a Difference: Mendocino Members Speak Up and Prevent COVID-19 Vaccines from Going to Waste
When a freezer that was used to store the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at a Northern California hospital broke down in early January, hospital officials realized they only had about two hours to administer the more than 800 doses that were stored inside. Our Mendocino County members immediately jumped into action, assisting in the rapid deployment of vaccines to their community. In just two hours, workers were able to get 200 badly needed doses administered.
We Honor the Memory of Theresa Breakfield
With a heavy heart, we share the news that Theresa Breakfield, a longtime SEIU 1021 union member, community leader, and political activist passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 due to complications of COVID-19.
Theresa Breakfield was a committed member of our union who served first as a member of the SEIU 1021 Executive Board Budget and Finance Committee, representing Region E (Amador, Calaveras and San Joaquin Counties). She later served as the San Joaquin County Area Representative on the SEIU 1021 Executive Board until she retired in April of 2017.
Prop 22 Is Bad for Workers: That’s Why We Are Suing to Strike It Down
Today, January 12, 2021 app workers and members of We Drive Progress and Mobile Workers Alliance, along with consumers and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), filed a lawsuit challenging Proposition 22 for violating our state constitution. Prop 22 should be struck down.
Friday, January 15: Join a Car Caravan to Support Striking Fast Food Workers
In solidarity with fast-food workers across the nation who are fighting for a $15 minimum wage and a union, our local will be joining the nationwide strike at fast food locations in both Oakland and Sacramento on Friday, January 15. During the pandemic, fast-food corporations have prospered because frontline workers reported to duty despite being denied basic protections from PPE to paid sick leave. The pandemic has only underscored the urgent need for fast-food workers in the state to have a union.
Fighting for Workers’ Rights in a New Political Era
On January 6, 2021, as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and news feeds began to flood with reports of unruly crowds and violence erupting at the nation’s Capitol, our President Joseph Bryant promptly shared a bold public statement written in real-time. Here is an excerpt of his powerful statement:
“We are witnessing an assault on our people, an assault on democracy, and an assault on our country. The racist, divisive lies fomented by President Trump have turned into a full-on coup attempt. This is not who we are.”