Issues & Legislation
Urgent action required: Urge Governor Newsom to sign SB 525 today!
Healthcare workers need your immediate help: getting Governor Newsom to sign SB 525. This bill holds the potential to bring significant improvements to the lives of California’s workers, including many of our own members.
SB 525 would set a minimum hourly wage of $25 for healthcare workers, recognizing the dedication of our healthcare heroes and addressing the pressing need for equitable wages as living costs continue to rise and the healthcare field continues to suffer from short staffing.
Good jobs, clean air, and statewide solidarity are on the agenda for SEIU’s Climate Conference
“We are facing an existential crisis, and that’s why we need to meet now, not in the future! I’m very excited to meet other SEIU members from all over California on November 4.” says Eddie Isaacs, a classified bargaining unit representative for consumer and environmental protection and chair of the SEIU Local 1000 Environmental Committee. He’s just one of the people who will be attending the SEIU Climate Conference on Saturday, November 4, and he hopes to see you there.
Honoring the legacy of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein & welcoming incoming Sen. Laphonza Butler
Statement from SEIU 1021 President Theresa Rutherford
September 29, 2023, marked the end of an era with the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein. A trailblazer for women, she was the first woman president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the first woman mayor of San Francisco before becoming the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from California. As a U.S. Senator, she was the first woman member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the first woman to chair the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and the first woman to chair the Senate Intelligence Committee.
$25 minimum wage for healthcare workers heads to governor’s desk
SB 525, which passed the CA State Legislature on Thursday, is a huge win for clinic workers
Healthcare workers–especially those working at California’s community clinics–scored a huge victory last Thursday, September 14, when the California State Legislature passed SB 525.
Fast-food workers win big on final day of legislative session
Last Thursday, September 14, was the final day of the legislative calendar for bills to pass the California State Legislature. Assembly Bill 1228 passed, marking a watershed moment for the state’s nearly 500,000 fast-food workers.
Join the SEIU Climate Summit
Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Whether we’re at home or work, all of us need to deal with our changing climate. This year, we’ve had a hot, dry summer, floods, fires, and even hurricane-strength storms hitting Los Angeles. It’s time for union action!
As union members, we’ve seen the power we have to make changes at our workplaces, and we’ve felt the impact we can make politically. At the SEIU Climate Summit, we’ll build the skills and connections we’ll need for our 200,000 SEIU members across California to take decisive action to protect ourselves and the environment we all inhabit.
HealthRIGHT 360 workers join rally to end overdoses at SF City Hall
The rally aimed to raise awareness of the overdose epidemic in SF--and how the renewed War on Drugs is killing people
Last Thursday, August 31, on International Overdose Awareness Day, over 100 advocates and community members rallied on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. They protested public policies that are failing to address the city’s overdose epidemic and advocated for real public health solutions. SEIU 1021 members from HealthRIGHT 360, a nonprofit organization providing integrated primary medical, mental health, and substance abuse care across California, joined the rally.
Clinic workers advocate for SB 525 at the state capitol
Last Tuesday, August 29, healthcare workers from across California rallied at the state capitol in downtown Sacramento. They were calling on lawmakers to support SB 525, a groundbreaking bill that would establish a $25 minimum hourly wage for healthcare professionals.
This wage would address staffing shortages by improving retention of existing healthcare workers and attracting new talent to the field. By pioneering this national wage standard, California hopes to set an example for the entire country.
Driverless cars threatening lives and livelihoods of workers across San Francisco
Blocking intersections, almost running over pedestrians, delaying an ambulance carrying a car accident victim to a hospital: Driverless cars are behind some of the latest issues San Francisco faces.
On August 10, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved resolutions granting additional operating authority for Cruise LLC and Waymo LLC to conduct commercial passenger service using driverless vehicles in San Francisco. The approval includes the ability for both companies to charge fares for rides at any time of day.
SF Political Leaders, Community and Labor Groups Endorse Schools and Communities First Initiative
On January 28, SEIU 1021 members joined San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Supervisors Gordon Mar, Shamann Walton, Sandra Fewer and Norman Yee, and other unions, community groups for a rally celebrating the City’s broad support of Schools & Communities First Ballot Initiative.
This exciting measure would reclaim $12 billion each year from wealthy corporations like Chevron and Shell Oil to fund schools and local services. The initiative specifically exempts all residential property, guaranteeing that homeowners and renters will be protected.
“Children Don’t Belong in Cages”
On Friday, July 12, we joined millions across the country to shine a light on the inhumane conditions facing migrants in detention centers. With rallies and vigils held in Oakland and in Marysville, we took part in the Lights for Liberty national day of action to call on the Trump Administration to stop the separation of families and to stop the raids that incite fear in our communities.
Senate Committee Listens to Tenants, Moves Crucial Housing Justice Legislation Forward
Sacramento, CA – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from Bruce Boyer, a member of SEIU Local 1021 and Campus Monitor at Will C. Wood Middle School in Sacramento, after the Senate Judiciary Committee passed AB 1482 by Assembly member David Chiu (D-San Francisco). The legislation would protect working families struggling to keep their homes by preventing landlords from rent gouging and requiring landlords to have just cause to evict tenants.
Senate Committee Listens to Tenants, Moves Crucial Housing Justice Legislation Forward
Sacramento, CA – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from Bruce Boyer, a member of SEIU Local 1021 and Campus Monitor at Will C. Wood Middle School in Sacramento, after the Senate Judiciary Committee passed AB 1482 by Assembly member David Chiu (D-San Francisco). The legislation would protect working families struggling to keep their homes by preventing landlords from rent gouging and requiring landlords to have just cause to evict tenants.
SEIU California Endorses CA Schools and Local Communities Funding Act for November 2020
SEIU California Endorses CA Schools and Local Communities Funding Act for November 2020
Closes a tax loophole for millionaires, billionaires, and corporations to restore California’s schools, community colleges, health clinics, and vital local services
SEIU California workers applaud budget that aims to put California dream in reach for all
Sacramento, CA – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from Roxanne Sanchez, President of SEIU Local 1021 and SEIU California, on the Governor’s proposed budget:
“California’s budget choices have profound effects on the lives of Californians, and we welcome a budget that builds a foundation for every Californian’s success. This budget is a strong statement that California can and must do better than a status quo of poverty, hunger, sickness and housing insecurity.
Inauguration of Gavin Newsom is an opportunity to move California toward justice and equality
Sacramento, CA – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from Roxanne Sanchez, President of SEIU Local 1021 and SEIU California, on the inauguration of Gavin Newsom as Governor of California:
“The 700,000 members of SEIU California work every day to realize the promise of California for all who call the Golden State home and we are encouraged that the inauguration of Governor Newsom is a step forward for our vision of equality, inclusion, justice, health and economic opportunity.
SEIU California Statement on Decision in Texas v. US
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from SEIU California and SEIU 1021 President Roxanne Sanchez on the decision in Texas v. US:
SF Public Service Workers Coalition Urges City Leaders to Invest $415 Million Revenue to Address Income Inequality
In response to yesterday’s announcement that the City of San Francisco will be refunded at least $415 million in property tax revenue from the State of California, a coalition of unions representing 25,000 San Francisco city workers has released the following statement:
Why Are Billionaires Funding a Campaign to Weaken Unions in California?
As working families are gearing up for the holiday season, a billionaire-funded group called the “Freedom” Foundation has launched a campaign to spread misinformation to weaken unions.
Instead of spreading holiday cheer, they are trying to convince workers to weaken our union by telling people to not be members.
Federal Court Sides with Workers and Immigrants in Legal Action Against Trump Threat to Withhold Funding
Executive Order To Withhold Funding From "Sanctuary Cities" Ruled Unconstitutional
Last week, a federal court ruled that President Trump’s Executive Order threatening to withhold funding from “sanctuary cities” is unconstitutional. The City of San Francisco filed a lawsuit against the Executive Order and SEIU 1021 members filed a formal brief in support of the lawsuit.