2009 began with hope and optimism, a new President, the possibility of true healthcare reform and stronger worker protections. But 2009 also came with many challenges….the worst economy since the great depression, the California state budget was (and is) a mess and city and county budgets were unraveling. However, social service workers helped thousands of Tri-County residents requesting relief and public assistance for the very first time, public health workers moved quickly into action to address the
H1N1 epidemic and hundreds of SEIU 721 members came up with ideas for economic solutions that would help cities and counties continue to provide vital services and reduce taxpayer waste.
In 2010, SEIU members will build upon the victories of last year and become even stronger advocates for efficient public services and the public that needs them. Below are just a few highlights from 2009:
1. Ventura County members have been in negotiations for eight months. More than 1,500 members have participated in rallies, meetings and collecting petition signatures in order to win a contract that shares sacrifices and plans for the future.
2. The Tri-County region has increased by 500 members. Employees from the Cityof Ventura (S and Q units), Oxnard (temporary workers) and student workers for Ventura County exercised their right to form a union and have a stronger voice about their working conditions by joining SEIU 721.
3. Ventura County Eligibility Workers were recognized by the state and federal government for their 99 percent accuracy record in helping families qualify for the correct and full amount of food stamps.
4. More than 400 Tri-County region members advocated for employee rights, public services and the clients that need the services by meeting with elected officials in Sacramento, Washington, D.C. and locally. Members were able to relay stories about the impact funding cuts had on real people. Several elected officials have committed to spending time with workers on the job in 2010.5. Santa Barbara workers have become empowered to have a stronger voice and speak out for the people that rely on public services because of the positive response from the Board of Supervisors.
6. Members from the Cities of Ventura, Santa Paula, Simi Valley and Ventura County compiled cost saving measures and revenue ideas to save their employees millions of dollars. Workers are determined to see more ideas implemented in 2010 in order to preserve services and jobs.