Simi Valley Workers Fight Bus Service Cuts for Seniors and Inspector Layoffs

Simi Valley’s Dial-a-Ride is a crucial service for homebound seniors and people with disabilities. Now that service is under threat from $5 million in proposed cuts in the 2008-2009 city budget.

SEIU members have organized to save and expand the service despite the budget threat. They developed alternative ways to reduce costs while retaining quality public services -- including changing bus routes to increase revenue.

Making Progress in Campaign Against Inspector Layoffs
In June, Simi Valley management proposed to lay off seven city employees as a way to help reduce the deficit, including four Building Inspectors who are part of SEIU 721. These inspectors are crucial to public safety. They inspect new construction, business development and residential remodeling projects. Despite a drop in new construction, residential remodeling has increased as the high cost of housing drives families into multi-unit residences.

SEIU members sent letters and lobbied the city council the week prior to the budget vote. At the vote, over 50 members of the community and SEIU members came to the council meeting to address the council during public comment.  Kenny Buxbaum, one of the workers scheduled for lay-off asked the council: "How will these cuts affect public safety? How will delays in having an inspection hurt the people that need our services?"

After Buxbaum spoke, Simi Valley Mayor Paul Miller encouraged the community and SEIU members to stay for the remainder of the meeting or until the budget came up on the agenda.

As a result of our actions the council requested that the City Manager delay proposed lay-offs of inspectors for at least six months and at the same time to look at alternatives in reducing budget without laying off the Inspectors.

"The amount of support received for the Inspectors has been incredible," Buxbaum wrote to 721 Chapter President Nancy Fisher after the decision. "I am proud to be a member of this union."