Issues & Legislation
HealthRIGHT 360 workers join rally to end overdoses at SF City Hall
The rally aimed to raise awareness of the overdose epidemic in SF--and how the renewed War on Drugs is killing people
Last Thursday, August 31, on International Overdose Awareness Day, over 100 advocates and community members rallied on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. They protested public policies that are failing to address the city’s overdose epidemic and advocated for real public health solutions. SEIU 1021 members from HealthRIGHT 360, a nonprofit organization providing integrated primary medical, mental health, and substance abuse care across California, joined the rally.
Clinic workers advocate for SB 525 at the state capitol
Last Tuesday, August 29, healthcare workers from across California rallied at the state capitol in downtown Sacramento. They were calling on lawmakers to support SB 525, a groundbreaking bill that would establish a $25 minimum hourly wage for healthcare professionals.
This wage would address staffing shortages by improving retention of existing healthcare workers and attracting new talent to the field. By pioneering this national wage standard, California hopes to set an example for the entire country.
Driverless cars threatening lives and livelihoods of workers across San Francisco
Blocking intersections, almost running over pedestrians, delaying an ambulance carrying a car accident victim to a hospital: Driverless cars are behind some of the latest issues San Francisco faces.
On August 10, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved resolutions granting additional operating authority for Cruise LLC and Waymo LLC to conduct commercial passenger service using driverless vehicles in San Francisco. The approval includes the ability for both companies to charge fares for rides at any time of day.
SF Political Leaders, Community and Labor Groups Endorse Schools and Communities First Initiative
On January 28, SEIU 1021 members joined San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Supervisors Gordon Mar, Shamann Walton, Sandra Fewer and Norman Yee, and other unions, community groups for a rally celebrating the City’s broad support of Schools & Communities First Ballot Initiative.
This exciting measure would reclaim $12 billion each year from wealthy corporations like Chevron and Shell Oil to fund schools and local services. The initiative specifically exempts all residential property, guaranteeing that homeowners and renters will be protected.
“Children Don’t Belong in Cages”
On Friday, July 12, we joined millions across the country to shine a light on the inhumane conditions facing migrants in detention centers. With rallies and vigils held in Oakland and in Marysville, we took part in the Lights for Liberty national day of action to call on the Trump Administration to stop the separation of families and to stop the raids that incite fear in our communities.
Senate Committee Listens to Tenants, Moves Crucial Housing Justice Legislation Forward
Sacramento, CA – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from Bruce Boyer, a member of SEIU Local 1021 and Campus Monitor at Will C. Wood Middle School in Sacramento, after the Senate Judiciary Committee passed AB 1482 by Assembly member David Chiu (D-San Francisco). The legislation would protect working families struggling to keep their homes by preventing landlords from rent gouging and requiring landlords to have just cause to evict tenants.
Senate Committee Listens to Tenants, Moves Crucial Housing Justice Legislation Forward
Sacramento, CA – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from Bruce Boyer, a member of SEIU Local 1021 and Campus Monitor at Will C. Wood Middle School in Sacramento, after the Senate Judiciary Committee passed AB 1482 by Assembly member David Chiu (D-San Francisco). The legislation would protect working families struggling to keep their homes by preventing landlords from rent gouging and requiring landlords to have just cause to evict tenants.
SEIU California Endorses CA Schools and Local Communities Funding Act for November 2020
SEIU California Endorses CA Schools and Local Communities Funding Act for November 2020
Closes a tax loophole for millionaires, billionaires, and corporations to restore California’s schools, community colleges, health clinics, and vital local services
SEIU California workers applaud budget that aims to put California dream in reach for all
Sacramento, CA – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from Roxanne Sanchez, President of SEIU Local 1021 and SEIU California, on the Governor’s proposed budget:
“California’s budget choices have profound effects on the lives of Californians, and we welcome a budget that builds a foundation for every Californian’s success. This budget is a strong statement that California can and must do better than a status quo of poverty, hunger, sickness and housing insecurity.
Inauguration of Gavin Newsom is an opportunity to move California toward justice and equality
Sacramento, CA – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from Roxanne Sanchez, President of SEIU Local 1021 and SEIU California, on the inauguration of Gavin Newsom as Governor of California:
“The 700,000 members of SEIU California work every day to realize the promise of California for all who call the Golden State home and we are encouraged that the inauguration of Governor Newsom is a step forward for our vision of equality, inclusion, justice, health and economic opportunity.
SEIU California Statement on Decision in Texas v. US
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from SEIU California and SEIU 1021 President Roxanne Sanchez on the decision in Texas v. US:
SF Public Service Workers Coalition Urges City Leaders to Invest $415 Million Revenue to Address Income Inequality
In response to yesterday’s announcement that the City of San Francisco will be refunded at least $415 million in property tax revenue from the State of California, a coalition of unions representing 25,000 San Francisco city workers has released the following statement:
Why Are Billionaires Funding a Campaign to Weaken Unions in California?
As working families are gearing up for the holiday season, a billionaire-funded group called the “Freedom” Foundation has launched a campaign to spread misinformation to weaken unions.
Instead of spreading holiday cheer, they are trying to convince workers to weaken our union by telling people to not be members.
Federal Court Sides with Workers and Immigrants in Legal Action Against Trump Threat to Withhold Funding
Executive Order To Withhold Funding From "Sanctuary Cities" Ruled Unconstitutional
Last week, a federal court ruled that President Trump’s Executive Order threatening to withhold funding from “sanctuary cities” is unconstitutional. The City of San Francisco filed a lawsuit against the Executive Order and SEIU 1021 members filed a formal brief in support of the lawsuit.
SEIU California Ballot Measure Endorsements:
To Increase Affordable Housing Opportunities, Members Say: YES on 2 and 10 and NO on 5
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in California today announced its positions on ballot measures for the November 2018 General Election. The 700,000 member organization of California’s working people took the following positions:
Proposition 2: YES
Proposition 5: NO
Proposition 6: NO
Proposition 8: YES
Proposition 9: NO
Proposition 10: YES
Proposition 11: NO
SEIU California Endorses Four Congressional Candidates Ready to Stand Up for American Values, Keep Families Together
California Families Deserve Better than Republican Representatives Standing by Trump, while Immigration Officials Take Children from Parents
Sacramento, CA – As the mass separation of children from their parents and incarceration of immigrant families on United States military bases rages on, SEIU California released the following statement from Roxanne Sanchez, President of SEIU California and SEIU Local 1021, calling for a change in leadership in key California districts now represented by Republicans who are standing by President Trump and allowing child cruelty to happen on their watch.
SEIU Members Speak Out to Save the Affordable Care Act
On June 14, SEIU filed a friend of the court (amicus) brief in defense of the Affordable Care Act in Texas vs. United States. A group of 20 Republican Attorneys General, led by Texas, is seeking a preliminary injunction to overturn the ACA. Last week, the Trump Department of Justice announced that it will not defend the attack. Our brief is in support of a group of Attorneys General, led by California AG Xavier Becerra, who intervened to defend the ACA.
From the Bargaining Table to County Government: Ben Stopper Working Tirelessly For Greater Funding of Public Services
1021 member Ben Stopper decided to run for political office when arts and music programs at his kids’ schools were being cut. The longtime Calavares County resident is running for County Board of Supervisor to represent the District 5 communities of Milton, Jenny Lind, and Rancho Calaveras.
Standing Strong for Environmental Justice
Supporters of social and economic justice have been on high alert since the election, beating back attacks on our civil rights and civil liberties as well as attempts to dismantle our education and healthcare systems. But extremists in Washington also have the environment in their crosshairs, and working people need to join together to protect our water, our air, and our health against corporations who are putting profits over people.
Our Retirement, Our Planet
Jan. 24 SF Retirement Board Feels the Heat from City Workers and the Public
Members of SEIU 1021’s Environment Justice Workgroup joined over 100 people from community groups and other unions at the January 24 SF Retirement Board meeting. Together we urged the Board to invest our retirement funds responsibly.
The Board did not vote for full divestment with a time deadline from coal, oil and gas investments, instead voting for “engagement” and a “phased divestment” of our retirement from the riskiest and dirtiest funds.