City of Oakland workers keep up the fight against layoffs
The City of Oakland recently issued layoff notices to more than two dozen SEIU 1021 members, and many workers belonging to other Oakland unions. Oakland’s union coalition has been fighting back hard against these cruel cuts that seek to balance the budget on the backs of working people.
On Monday, February 10, SEIU 1021 and IFPTE Local 21 filed a charge with the California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) alleging unfair labor practices by the City of Oakland. The charge outlines a series of unlawful actions in the city administration’s rollout of layoff notices and cuts to vital services. The PERB filing seeks a resolution to protect both the rights of workers and the public services that are at risk of being drastically cut.
In a letter sent to the city administration on Monday, February 10, city unions outlined the lack of action to solve the fiscal problems facing the city. They write: “The chaotic leadership enacted by both the finance department and the administration has led us here. City workers and Oakland residents deserve better.”
At a press conference on Tuesday, February 11, workers spoke out. As KRON 4 reported: ”Akilah Lesley, director of West Oakland’s Willie Keyes Recreation Center, said she was laid off as a result of the city’s budget crisis.”
“I’m just here today to, you know, tell city administration to put a stop to all of these layoffs immediately,” Lesley said. “Not only are you hurting the working people such as myself, but you’re also hurting the community, like our families and our children, and you’re depriving them of services to help them thrive.”
On Wednesday, city and union representatives met. As a direct result of all this union action and solidarity, the SEIU 1021 layoffs were cut from more than two dozen to just five. We all know that five layoffs is five too many, so we’re going to keep fighting.
In addition to the reduction in layoff notices, Oakland City Council has found some creative ways to keep fire stations open. We stand with Oakland firefighters in their effort to stop the closure of more fire stations while urging the council to fund the vital public services provided by city workers.
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