SEIU 1021 members joined thousands of protesters at “Hands Off” rallies this past Saturday, voicing their opposition to policies that threaten workers’ rights, healthcare, and education.

They were part of a nationwide day of action that brought together hundreds of thousands at some 1300 rallies from coast to coast, including in San Francisco, Oakland and other East Bay cities, Sacramento, Stockton, Santa Rosa, and numerous other localities across Northern California.

SEIU 1021 Climate Justice Committee Co-Chair Martha Hawthorne attended the Hands Off rally in San Francisco. Explaining why it was important for her to show up and participate, she said, “We cannot depend on our elected leaders or the courts to stop the destruction of all we have worked for and loved. I participated in the Hands Off rally with two dozen other 1021 members, because in the street with thousands of other people, we feel our power to build a moment that puts people before profit, unions before kings and billionaires.

“‘Hands Off’ Social Security, union contracts, Medicare, and education also means ‘Hands Off’ Gaza and stop arming Israel. My sign said ’Release SEIU members Rumeysa Oturk, Llewelyn Dixon and all the political prisoners who are being detained without charges.’ I’m proud that SEIU locals nationwide are standing up for the First Amendment and protesting that our members who were unjustly abducted are still behind bars.”

SEIU 1021’s endorsed Oakland mayoral candidate, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, addressed the crowd at the Oakland rally, encouraging protesters to keep fighting for justice and reminding them of the power they hold in creating change.