More than 800 workers at the East Bay’s La Clínica de la Raza just won a strong contract after months of negotiations and actions across the three East Bay counties these members serve (Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano).

The workers rallied repeatedly, held a massive informational picket in early December, and voted to strike by an overwhelming 98%. Late in the campaign, hundreds of members showed up at a virtual board of directors meeting — so many that management’s system couldn’t handle them and crashed repeatedly. Management was finally forced to settle the contract. 

Chapter President Angel Valdez said, “This is a great contract. No contract is perfect, but this one will help our members keep up with the rising costs of living in our three counties. It also includes some big steps forward that we’ve been fighting for for years, like a new bilingual stipend. The hard work of our bargaining team and the incredible solidarity of our membership made this win possible, and I’m proud of what we achieved together.”

The contract is for three years. Highlights include:

• 12% in COLAs, including 3.5% retroactive to September 1, 2024; 
• Two $500 bonuses;
• Equity adjustments for 13 separate classifications; 
• A new bilingual pay premium; and
• Two new floating holidays (one permanent, one to be used in 2025).

This contract is proof that when workers stick together in their union, big things are possible.