Newswire
Vote YES on Prop 50: Gov. Newsom & Speaker Emerita Pelosi join unions in final push
SEIU 1021 SF Vice President Kristin Hardy spoke in support of Prop 50 at today's press conference
Monday, November 3, union members gathered at the IBEW Local 6 union hall to hear from Governor Gavin Newsom, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelsoi, and Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren—the architect of California Proposition 50—before heading out to do a final push to get out the vote around San Francisco.
Nov. 15 is a day to speak up for climate justice at home and across the world
Climate change and the extreme weather events it drives affect everyone. Recently, we’ve seen Hurricane Melissa—one of the most powerful Category 5 storms on record—strike Jamaica and the Caribbean, made more powerful by the hotter than normal Atlantic Ocean. A recent report argued that coral reefs had officially passed their tipping point and are likely to go through a long period of decline, risking the livelihoods of millions.
Napa Valley College classified professionals win historic contract victory, narrowly avoid strike
History was made on Wednesday, October 22, when Napa Valley College (NVC) classified professionals voted by 97% to ratify a groundbreaking contract that delivers wage increases, stronger job protections, and improved workplace rights.
The victory came after over 18 months of bargaining; speaking at board meetings; attending strike school; community outreach; and solidarity from members, faculty, and supporters across Napa.
SEIU 1021 members & allies stop wasteful spending on proposed Sonoma County building purchase
Tuesday, October 28, Sonoma County Counsel reported out that the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors provided direction to their real property negotiators to terminate the purchase and sale agreement for 400 Aviation Boulevard, Santa Rosa, and discontinue negotiations to purchase the building. This outcome is a direct result of SEIU 1021’s members’ hard work and advocacy to prevent the misuse of public funds.
Vote YES on Prop 50: Congresswoman Lateefah Simon joins SEIU leaders at SEIU 1021 for virtual town hall
Panelists included the congresswoman, SEIU CA President David Huerta, SEIU 221 President Crystal Irving, and SEIU 1021 President Theresa Rutherford & VP of Politics Ramsés Teón-Nichols
Monday, October 20, SEIU 1021’s San Francisco union hall turned into a studio for a live town hall on why it’s so important for union members and working people to vote YES on California Proposition 50. Congresswoman Lateefah Simon joined SEIU 1021 President Theresa Rutherford and Vice President of Politics Ramsés Teón-Nichols in person, while SEIU California and USWW President David Huerta and SEIU 221 President Crystal Irving joined as panelists via Zoom.
SEIU 1021 members say, “NO ICE IN THE BAY!”
Last week, the Bay Area, spearheaded by SEIU 1021 members speaking out, rose up to oppose the threat of masked ICE goons and potentially even the National Guard invading our streets in Trump’s latest assault on cities that didn’t vote for him.
In San Francisco, thousands took to the streets to oppose this authoritarian overreach, rallying on the front steps of City Hall at noon and later marching from Embarcadero in huge numbers.
SEIU 1021 member leaders gather to strategize on protecting workers and communities
SEIU 1021 members from across Northern California came together in Vacaville on Friday, October 24, for an intense day of training and strategy. SEIU 1021 Executive Director David Canham and President Theresa Rutherford opened the event with urgent speeches about the growing threats facing working people in today’s political climate and the steps we must take now to defend our families and communities.
Solano County workers picket to protect public services as contract talks drag on
Tuesday, October 21, hundreds of members of Solano County’s unions—SEIU Local 1021, IFPTE Local 21, and IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39—picketed outside the Solano County Health & Social Services Building to call on the Solano County administration to quit stalling at the bargaining table. This “Solano for All” coalition’s message was clear: We must reach a fair contract that retains qualified staff and invests in public services.
SEIU 1021 members join tens of thousands in the streets for No Kings protests across Northern California
Tens of thousands of people defending democracy took to the streets for No Kings protests on Saturday, October 18, across the Bay Area to voice fierce opposition to the injustices perpetrated by the Trump administration. They showed up and showed out to also demand ICE agents stop violently targeting the migrant community by snatching people up at their job sites, immigration courts, and even hospitals.
First-ever SEIU 1021 East Bay Summit brings hundreds together to build worker power
On Saturday, October 18, SEIU 1021 members from across the East Bay made history at our first-ever East Bay Summit.
“Don’t trash the town!” Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee announces illegal dumping blitz in partnership with SEIU 1021
Friday, October 17, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and other city administrators announced a major expansion of efforts to combat illegal dumping.
Members of SEIU Latino Caucus Convention in Puerto Rico commit to taking on Trump policies
In California, SEIU 1021 Latino Caucus plans to get out the vote for ‘Yes on Prop. 50’
Hundreds of SEIU members from around North America gathered for two days in San Juan, Puerto Rico for the SEIU International Latino Caucus Convention. SEIU 1021 members from Oakland, San Francisco, Stockton, and Fairfield assembled with members from Puerto Rico, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles to plan a course of action against the Trump administration policies that are terrorizing Latino communities.
Broad coalition of San Francisco community groups and unions call for boycott of Airbnb
On Wednesday, October 8, at 12pm, a broad coalition of community groups and labor unions gathered in front of the Airbnb headquarters to announce their launch of a boycott of Airbnb. The boycott is motivated by Airbnb’s ties to President Trump’s anti-worker agenda and massive cuts to public services, its avoidance of business taxes in San Francisco, and its contribution to the housing crisis. Activists are urging San Francisco residents to book elsewhere until Airbnb stops their greed.
San Francisco Superior Court clerks vote by 98% to authorize a strike
Authorizing their second strike under Court CEO Brandon Riley’s two-year tenure, clerks cite management’s unwillingness to address the ongoing staffing and training issues that are delaying court cases and burdening defendants, victims, and jurors.
Last October, San Francisco Superior Court’s clerks walked off the job in protest of management’s refusal to negotiate good-faith solutions to the staffing and training issues that plagued the court, causing unacceptable and unconstitutional delays and grievous mistakes. In what feels like déjà vu, last Thursday, October 9, SEIU 1021 members at the court voted by a sweeping 98% to authorize their contract negotiations team to call for another strike—for the very same issues that forced last year’s strike.
Sacramento City Schools classified professionals rally for student support, stability, and a fair contract
“Invest in your community, not outside contractors.”
That was the message from SEIU Local 1021 members on Thursday, October 9, as Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) classified professionals rallied to demand a fair contract and real investment in the school community.
Annual Valley Mountain Regional Center cultural & resource fair celebrates diversity
Hundreds of people, including SEIU 1021 members, gathered at the Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC) in Stockton on Friday, October 10, to enjoy a cultural resource fair that takes place at the site every year. It’s a festive occasion celebrating diversity and giving a chance for employees to better bond with the community they serve, while also connecting clients with additional resources.
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.