Contact: Chelsea Fink, Chelsea.Fink@seiu1021.org, (510) 435-8282

OAKLAND, CA – On September 12th, the SEIU 1021 Bargaining Team of Asian Health Services (AHS) reached a tentative agreement with management to settle on a new three-year contract. After eight months of bargaining, rolling pickets, a 100% ‘yes’ strike vote, strike school with a nearly 70% attendance, and the hard work of the bargaining team and committed members, workers have won their strongest contract with AHS to date.

“I’m feeling really good about this contract, and I think our members will too,” Vicky Tan, Medical Assistant, Asian Health Services. “When it comes to the cost of living, healthcare, and staffing, it will help level out the playing field. We will be more competitive, which will definitely help with retention and recruitment.” 

Key concerns for AHS workers were severe understaffing in critical departments, staff retention problems, and community health and safety concerns stemming from the shortage of registered nurses and other essential clinic personnel.

This historic contract addresses these issues and helps close the gap between other healthcare agencies, which will help recruit and retain employees and give critical relief to the staffing crisis. The new contract increases wages on average over 21%, expands healthcare coverage for families, offers much-needed equity adjustments, and adds Juneteenth as an observed holiday and more flexible vacation and paid time off policies.

“After eight grueling months of negotiating, I’m quite impressed with the movement we made. Our intention was to target the lowest income in hopes that they will gain the most out of our bargaining, and I feel that we have accomplished exactly that,” said Joelaw Bi, Mental Health Counselor, Asian Health Services. “I’d like to believe that my coworkers would be content with the results as it is a reflection of our efforts as a group.”
 

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