Gas $$ On Our Minds

SEIU 721 Members Are Looking for Solutions to Our Gridlock Gripe-a-Thon

For too many members rush hour means an overheated, 10 mph slog locked alone in your car, tucking your kids into bed by Bluetooth. Southern Californians spend 3 days every year at a dead stop, according to the LA Times. That’s less time with family and friends, and a stress on our infrastructure and environment.  

That’s why SEIU 721’s contract with L.A. County created a commuting problems committee where members and management meet to find solutions. Since the 721 merger last year members have expanded that approach regionally.

Riverside City employees have organized to preserve flexible schedules, which give customers more counter hours, pull cars off the road during peak commuting times, and leave city workers more time for family and important appointments. Riverside County may soon introduce a 4-10 work week to help employees shrink commuting costs.

In Ventura and Santa Barbara several cities and county departments already have flexible schedules. Other cities have proposed them since May as a way to reduce energy costs.

L.A. County members are working to increase use of public transportation. In a recent survey of LAC+USC Medical Center employees, nearly 70% commuted alone. Just 15% took mass transit despite LAC+USC’s location near transit hubs. Members are seeking subsidies for public-transit passes, including commuter spending accounts that bring tax savings.

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