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SEIU 1021
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Looking for stories from our latest weekly SEIU 1021 Newswire? Here you go!

Article

Chevron will pay a historic pollution tax that will fund city services in groundbreaking settlement with Richmond

In a major step forward for environmental justice, the City of Richmond and Chevron have reached a historic settlement that will significantly increase taxes for the Chevron Richmond refinery.

The leadership of Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez were instrumental in reaching this deal. This is an unprecedented victory for the city and its residents, who have long advocated for Richmond’s biggest polluters to pay their fair share.

This agreement will:

Article by Trish Belenson, SEIU 1021 Oakland Unified School District Chapter President

SEIU 1021 Executive Board passes divestment resolution

On Saturday, July 27, the SEIU Local 1021 Executive Board passed a divestment resolution drafted by rank-and-file members of 1021 Members for Palestine Divestment Committee. 

Article

Member registration for the SEIU 1021 Convention is open!

The SEIU 1021 Member Convention is just around the corner! This event only comes once every three years and will take place in-person for the first time since the pandemic. It’s a chance to unite and celebrate our collective achievements while charting our path forward for the next three years. We will strategize on how best to continue our collective fight for equity, social justice, and workers’ rights. 

Article

SEIU 1021 members at Exploratorium ratify new contract with gains, new protections
Members voted by 97% to ratify

With strong member turnout, SEIU 1021 members at the Exploratorium museum in San Francisco voted by 97% last week to ratify their tentative agreement. Highlights include a 9.3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) over the three-year life of the contract; an increase in the minimum wage for SEIU 1021 bargaining unit workers; new recall rights for laid-off employees; and new protections around AI.

Article

Alameda Health System members stick together and win a historic contract

Workers at Alameda Health System, Alameda county’s public safety-net healthcare system, have won a historic new contract. Highlights include a 20% wage increases over the next four years; institution of a wide-ranging new safety program covering workers and patients alike; and incentivizes for management to staff up throughout the system. SEIU 1021 AHS members voted by over 98% to ratify the new contract.

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SEIU 1021 members successfully push Sebastopol City Council to place sales tax on November ballot to save Sebastopol from potential bankruptcy and loss of public services

SEIU 1021 member Anthony Drolet demanding that City Council invest in Sebastopol during the Council's May 21st meeting

Tuesday, July 16, the SEIU 1021 members who keep Sebastopol functioning – including maintenance workers, water treatment operators, and building department support staff – took on Sebastopol City Council during their bi-monthly meeting. Their objective: to stress the importance of public services and avoiding future bankruptcy. These SEIU 1021 members were joined by the city’s police officers to emphasize the importance of putting a modest half-cent sales tax on the ballot for November.  

Article

Mariachi Bonitas to grace the SEIU 1021 Convention stage

The 2024 SEIU 1021 Convention, taking place September 28 and 29 in Sacramento, will feature a variety of entertainment. The union is pleased to announce that the all-female group, Mariachi Bonitas, will be gracing the stage.

The musicians have quickly gained popularity throughout California, especially in the Sacramento area, since forming in 2020 under the direction of Dinorah Kingler, who plays guitar. 

Article

Sonoma County members confront Board of Supervisors over its decision to remove peace officer status of park rangers

SEIU 1021 Sonoma County President Travis Balzarini confronting the Board over its decision to remove peace officer status from park rangers

Tuesday, July 16, more than a dozen SEIU 1021 members at Sonoma County confronted their Board of Supervisors over its decision to remove peace officer status from park rangers. “Peace officer status” is a designation that allows rangers to perform duties similar to those of sheriff deputies within their parks, such as issuing citations, arresting people, and handling law enforcement situations. 

Article

Fantastic Negrito to headline 2024 SEIU 1021 Convention

This year will be the first time SEIU 1021 delegates and members will gather in person for a convention since the pandemic. Along with the important work of laying out a plan for the next few years, the convention will also feature a celebration to commemorate the special occasion. The union is thrilled to announce that 3x GRAMMY® Award-winner and Oakland’s own Fantastic Negrito will be headlining the event at the SAFE Convention Center in Sacramento.

Article

Join SEIU 1021’s AFRAM Caucus today!

Joining SEIU 1021’s AFRAM is more than just signing up as a member. It’s a commitment to solidarity and empowerment.

AFRAM – the African American Solidarity Committee – stands at the forefront of advocating for social, economic, and political justice within our workplaces, communities, and union. By joining AFRAM, you become part of a vibrant network dedicated to enhancing opportunities through education, mentorship, and leadership development for members of African descent.

Article

In memory of Jane McAlevey

Union organizer Jane McAlevey

Vice President of Organizing Brandon Dawkins reflects on the life and legacy of union organizer Jane McAlevey. Jane passed Sunday at her cabin in Muir Beach, CA. She was 59.

“Jane taught me that in politics and organizing, the future is radically unknown. Our national politics might creep closer to fascism, or we might fight for and win a progressive future. The national labor movement may continue to shrink, or we may realize SEIU President April Verrett’s vision of organizing a million workers over the next decade.

Article

Oakland City Council passes budget without job cuts
Layoffs & service cuts are off the table for now, contingent on the sale of the Coliseum

The Oakland City Council voted in favor of the mayor’s budget proposal on Tuesday, July 2, saving SEIU 1021 members from any immediate threat of job cuts.

The days leading up to the vote grew contentious as city workers fought against proposed changes that would cut public services and jobs. They packed the council chambers alongside community allies and activists leading up to the vote and on the day of the vote, urging council members to stick with the initial plan to backfill a deficit with the sale of the Coliseum. 

Article

Unionized Starbucks workers celebrate Pride

Unionized Starbucks workers and their allies celebrating pride at a store in Antioch, CA

Thursday, June 27, a dozen unionized baristas and cashiers celebrated Pride at the Starbucks on Davison Drive and Deer Valley Road in Antioch, CA.

“Working for a multi-billion dollar corporation, I unionized because we deserve to have a say when it comes to our pay and staffing levels,” said Jasper Fontaine, a shift supervisor. “We’re having a sip-in to celebrate Pride because many of us are queer, and we want to create a welcoming environment both to queer Starbucks partners and to queer Starbucks customers. The union is inclusive.”

Article

City of San Rafael members ratify union contract, making major strides to address public staffing crisis

SEIU 1021 members  confronting San Rafael city council

On Thursday, June 27, SEIU 1021 members working for the City of San Rafael – including childcare providers, street maintenance workers, library staff, and administrative staff – voted by an overwhelming 97.1% to ratify a contract with the City. The new agreement makes major strides to address the staffing crisis that has been plaguing San Rafael’s children, families, and residents. 

Article

Members protest proposed budget cuts to Oakland City services

Unions representing Oakland city employees united on Friday, June 28, to together protest a proposal that would address a historical budget deficit by slashing funding to critical services, including firefighters and police.

Members of SEIU 1021 and IFPTE Local 21 gathered in front of City Hall at Frank Ogawa Plaza in the afternoon, donning their union colors and holding up signs that read, “Chop from the top!” 

Article

SEIU 1021 members celebrate Juneteenth at Vallejo Festival and Parade

On Saturday, June 15, SEIU 1021 members joined thousands of attendees at the Vallejo Juneteenth Festival & Parade held at the Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green. The event, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, featured a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and community spirit.

Article

SFDPH nurses, SFMTA Service Critical workers ratify contracts with big improvements
By 86% and 95% margins respectively, the last two SEIU 1021 San Francisco City & County bargaining units have locked in gains despite challenging budget

The threat of a widespread San Francisco city worker strike is officially over: Large supermajorities of members of SEIU 1021, the union representing over 16,000 city workers, have voted to ratify agreements reached with the City and County across three collective bargaining units.