I take a lot of pride in being the President of Local 721. We’re a strong Local with an incredibly active membership. But on October 1, that pride swelled to new levels as I looked out at the massive crowd of LA County workers assembled in front of the County Hall of Administration.

The day started with a march through downtown LA. María Elena Durazo, the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, marched alongside me up front. Along the way, she said she could feel the energy and excitement of our members wishing to express their frustrations at the lack of progress at the bargaining table. We both thought the signs that members carried and the press coverage delivered the right message. In fact, Maria Elena said she had never seen as much press as we received.

Although the number is not finalized, it appears more buses and participants turned out to this event than any we’ve done in recent years. Several people pointed out something that I want to share with all of you. Since yesterday, I’ve heard that our local has finally come together as ONE — and this is a great feeling.

I believe we accomplished what we needed to as far as delivering a strong and clear message to the Board on where we are and where we need to be in order to settle a contract for our members.

As I write this, Bill Fujioka is downstairs meeting with our Bargaining and Policy Committee. Make no mistake about it: Bill is here to move negotiations forward and negotiate in good faith. It’s my sincere Continued on page 2 County Members Spoke Loud and Clear SEIU 721 President’s Report october 2013 hope that because of our actions, in one month I’ll be reporting to you that County members have a new, strong contract—the contract our L.A. County members deserve!

In Solidarity,
Bob Schoonover
SEIU 721 President and LA City
Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic