Contract negotiations with Alameda County have been going on for months, and so far, county management has been unwilling to listen to SEIU 1021 members tell them what they need: a fair COLA, affordable healthcare, and increased staffing that will create sustainable working conditions. No, the County’s focus has been increased healthcare costs and a COLA that keeps members falling behind. 

On Thursday, members showed up en masse at a Board of Supervisors meeting to tell the supervisors that it’s time to get real and get a fair contract done.

Hannah Joy Wirshing said, “As child welfare workers, we work with people who are struggling with substance use, mental health challenges, and domestic violence. These are people who have been failed by our society and their children have been taken away. Our work is essential, and when we don’t have adequate staffing or resources, it has huge consequences.

“If Alameda County cares about the welfare of children, it needs to address its staffing crisis immediately.”

Hannah Daugherty also spoke, saying, “My job is vital to the community because we ensure the safety of children and provide critical support to families in need. I am passionate about this work, as I have a deep care for people and my community.”

“Alameda County Social Services has dangerously high vacancies that directly affect employee retention, employee satisfaction, and community safety.”

Kathy Rieves, a legal secretary in the public defender’s office, said, “Leadership is well-compensated, while the frontline workers who keep this county functioning are given crumbs. Many departments are overwhelmed, understaffed, and undertrained. Employees are reaching breaking points. The bottom line is we deserve respect and fair wages. Without us, Alameda County cannot function! Stop treating us as though we should simply be grateful to have a job. We are the backbone of this county and we deserve to be treated respectfully!”

Other members, including eligibility technicians and assessors office workers, also spoke up, ensuring that the County’s elected officials understand that their budget includes choices that affect real human lives.