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City of Novato workers ratify union contract after two strikes; vow to continue fighting for public services
Sunday, October 5, the SEIU 1021 members who keep Novato running — including street maintenance workers, building inspectors, park recreation coordinators, and city planners — ratified a union contract by an 87% vote.
The contract ratification follows months of tense negotiations and two unfair labor practice strikes: a three-day strike from August 5 to August 7 and a one-day strike on September 2. Members of SEIU Local 1021 say the fight was difficult, but their resolve has only grown stronger.
SEIU-endorsed David Miller and Troy Johnson elected to the CalPERS Board
Thursday, October 2, David Miller and Troy Johnson were elected to the CalPERS Board. In Position A, David Miller won re-election with 54% of the vote. In Position B, Troy Johnson beat incumbent Jose Luis Pacheco 52% to 33%.
Over 800,000 gig rideshare drivers win right to form a union
Governor Newsom's signature on AB 1340 (Wicks, Berman) comes after workers’ decade-long fight
In a historic step in empowering workers in the gig economy, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation October 3 that creates a path for a union and collective bargaining rights for over 800,000 rideshare drivers working for companies like Uber and Lyft.
The bill, passed by the California legislature and authored by Asm. Buffy Wicks and Asm. Berman, empowers drivers to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions for the first time in the state’s history.
Community rally highlights urgent need for a fair contract for OUSD classified professionals
On Wednesday, October 1, SEIU 1021 classified professionals and community allies gathered at Oakland Technical High School for a high-energy rally demanding a fair contract from the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD).
The rally sent a clear message: Oakland’s public schools cannot function without classified staff. From early childhood instructional aides and special education support staff to culture keepers, climate ambassadors, and critical clerical workers, these workers are the backbone of OUSD, and they deserve to be treated as such.
SEIU 1021 Latino Heritage Celebration honors culture, history & strength
As the current presidential administration targets the Latino community, pride & solidarity were on full display at the local's 3rd annual event
Friday, September 26, amid escalating attacks from the Trump administration on the Latino community in California and nationwide, the SEIU 1021 Latino Caucus hosted its third annual Latino Heritage Celebration in Oakland. The theme of this year’s very successful event was “¡Cultura, Historia, Fuerza!” — culture, history, strength.
Tell the SF City College Board of Trustees to staff up for recycling and zero-waste at SF City College
Sign the petition and show your support!
Recycling bins are overflowing, and staff are stretched to the limit. San Francisco City College students deserve clean campuses and a greener future. The CCSF Board has failed to ensure that its initial promise to fully staff their critical climate justice initiative is fulfilled.
Catholic Charities SF members rally to protest management’s refusal to pay negotiated wages
After signing a tentative agreement with the workers’ union negotiations team, management is now reneging, insisting on replacing the wage table they signed off on with one significantly lower. Members plan to take a strike authorization vote.
Wednesday, outraged workers picketed outside Catholic Charities SF headquarters at 990 Eddy Street to protest management’s refusal to honor the tentative agreement they had already signed off on and which workers ratified by an overwhelming 95% last week.
As ICE changes practice, SEIU 1021 hosts workshop in Stockton
SEIU 1021 members gathered at the Stockton union hall on Saturday, September 20, to learn more about immigrant rights in the face of ICE raids. Federal agents have changed their practices over the course of the past few months: using unmarked cars, covering their faces with masks, refusing to show badges or identify themselves. This has made community members’ interactions with them more harrowing and confusing.
Solano County members rally to launch “Solano for All” campaign
Over 200 county workers from SEIU Local 1021, IFPTE Local 21, and Stationary Engineers Local 39 gathered on Tuesday, September 16, in front of the Solano County Administration Center in Fairfield. Together, they marched and rallied to launch the “Solano for All” campaign, standing united to protect public services from looming federal cuts.
We chanted, marched, and showed the strength of our solidarity as contract negotiations begin. Our message was clear: Solano County must protect jobs and invest in the services our community relies on.
Catholic Charities SF management refuses to honor their signed agreement. Show your support!
After signing a tentative agreement, management is trying to change the deal and take back promised wage increases
Recently, Catholic Charities of San Francisco’s workers and management signed off on an agreement establishing a $25/hour minimum wage for employees, along with other improvements.
Project Open Hand members collect signatures of support at annual gala
Donors, volunteers, and guests were eager to show their support for the workers in their contract fight
Friday, September 12, SEIU 1021 members at Project Open Hand — a nonprofit organization that provides medically tailored meals to some of San Francisco’s most sick and vulnerable residents — picketed outside the annual “Hand to Hand” fundraising gala. They gathered signatures on a petition to management and the board of directors in support of a fair contract.
Hayward Unified School District’s Maintenance and Operations SAFECO workers add noon supervisors to their chapter
In a major win for classified employees in Hayward Unified School District (HUSD), the SEIU 1021 Maintenance and Operations (M&O) SAFECO chapter has officially added the noon supervisors into its ranks. This group, long dedicated to supporting students and school communities, will now enjoy the protections and benefits of the M&O SAFECO chapter’s union contract.
COPE Committee Hosts Fun and Engaging BINGO Night to Build Power
Region A’s Committee on Political Education (COPE) recently brought members together for a spirited BINGO night, where fun and activism went hand in hand. Members from across the region came out to connect, enjoy a lively evening, and learn more about how their participation in COPE helps strengthen our union’s political power. “It was a lot of fun and a great way to inspire activism, educate members on COPE, and highlight upcoming political campaigns like Yes on 50,” said Tazamisha Alexander, COPE Chair.
Felton workers rally for respect, get ready for strike school
Management continues to make unilateral changes & reject commonsense proposals in contract negotiations
Monday, September 8, SEIU 1021 members at San Francisco’s Felton Institute Family Development Center rallied outside their workplace, calling public attention to their fight for a fair contract.
SEIU 1021 members represent at the 15th annual Oakland Pride celebration
The 15th annual Oakland Pride drew thousands of people to festivities in downtown Oakland on Sunday, September 7. In the morning, SEIU 1021 members participated in the march. And in the afternoon, as attendees danced and enjoyed performances at the three stages, the SEIU 1021 Lavender Solidarity Committee hosted an informational booth, giving out leaflets, temporary tattoos, buttons, and other swag.
Vote YES on Prop 50: California labor kicks off campaign to defend democracy
The fight has just begun
Union members across California hit the streets and the phones this past weekend for the Yes on Prop 50 Labor Kickoff, launching canvassing and phone banking efforts in San Francisco, Berkeley, Fairfield, Sacramento, and Santa Clara.
From the South Bay to the state capitol, union volunteers joined with community allies, elected leaders, and Democratic Party partners to talk with voters about what’s at stake in 2026 and why Prop 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, is urgently needed.
Hundreds of rideshare drivers caravan to state capitol in final push for history-making union organizing bill
Thursday, September 4, hundreds of gig drivers drove, honked, waved, and rallied as they caravaned around the state capitol, celebrating a major breakthrough in their decade-long fight to win union rights and showing their support for AB 1340 (Wicks/Berman).
The event came after the announcement on Friday, August 29, that gig drivers have won the support of Governor Gavin Newsom, Speaker Robert Rivas, and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire to make AB 1340 law — opening up the opportunity for 800,000 gig drivers to join a union.
City of Novato workers held second unfair labor practice strike as city council refuses to address inequities
Novato's lowest paid workers have a proposal that would bring their pay in line with surrounding cities, and it wouldn't even cost more than the City's proposal. City Council refuses to hear it.
Tuesday, September 2, the SEIU 1021 members who keep Novato running — including street maintenance workers, building inspectors, park recreation coordinators, and city planners — held an unfair labor practice strike to sound the alarm on Novato City Council’s refusal to consider the needs of its lowest-paid workers whose services residents depend on.
SEIU 1021 members join thousands in Labor Day “Workers Over Millionaires” rally & march in San Francisco
Working people from across sectors joined forces to demand an end to the billionaire agenda
The sun beat down with an unusual ferocity for San Francisco, but spirits were high and the crowd was boisterous at the San Francisco Labor Day rally and march on Monday, September 1. The biggest protest event in the City since the No Kings rally this June, the event drew thousands of union members and community members who wanted to show a strong resistance to the illegal and immoral actions of the presidential administration and its enablers in Congress.
Valley Mountain Regional Center workers who suffer from high case loads, pack board meeting
SEIU 1021members with the Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC), who provide critical wraparound services for people with disabilities in San Joaquin County, have been overwhelmed with higher case load numbers than are legally to be assigned. They packed a recent board meeting on Wednesday, August 27, to share their struggle and how it takes a toll on both the workers and the clients they serve.