It’s been a very busy time for the City of Oakland chapter. MONTHS ago, the City announced more than 100 layoffs. SEIU 1021 fought hard every day, demanding answers and accountability from the City, rallying and holding press conferences, working in coalition with other unions, exerting political pressure, and finding creative solutions to save jobs.

Finally, on Thursday of last week, union representatives met again with the City and fought off the remaining threatened layoffs. As of now, there are ZERO layoffs and ZERO redeployments. This is what SEIU 1021 members can do when we stick together. 

Not only will City of Oakland workers keep their jobs, the last 2% installment of their historic 14% in COLAs will show up on their paychecks on the March 20 check. 

You can keep an eye on the coalition work the City of Oakland chapter is doing at the coalition website Cut Waste Not Services and help Oakland workers by voting for Barbara Lee for Oakland mayor, Kara Murray-Badal for District 2 city councilmember, and voting YES on the half-cent sales tax that will protect jobs and fund vital city services for years to come.

As Chapter President Antoinette Blue told chapter members, “We need to stay focused on eliminating all layoffs and securing a strong contract. This is not the time for distractions. This is the time for unity. Stay informed, stay engaged, and most importantly—stay united.”