In 2014, many pundits wrote the obituary of the working family. In the national media, they pronounced public workers dead — the victims of countless attacks at the ballot and in the courts, funded by the billionaire Koch brothers, Wall Street and anti-worker lobbying groups. But to paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of our death are greatly exaggerated.

That’s because, here, at Local 721, we are fighting back and doing things differently. We believe in protecting middle-class jobs in Los Angeles, the Tri-Counties and the Inland Area. That means sounding the alarm so our community partners can join us in the fight to protect the public services we provide. It means fighting for good contracts for our members with fair pay, affordable healthcare and secure retirement so that we can continue to retain experienced workers. It also means facing down greed and taking on some of the most important and difficult battles of our time:

• Demanding an end to predatory deals between big banks and the City of L.A., which are forcing cuts to vital services and public sector jobs;

• Leading the Fight for $15 with our members, fast food workers and other workers around the region, because every individual working a full-time job should be able to make ends meet;

• Supporting striking workers at the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach to build solidarity and power for all workers in Los Angeles; and

• Fighting for much-needed reform of our immigration system so it honors our values, strengthens our economy, supports working families, and restores the rule of law.

These are difficult fights, but they are vital for working families and they are paying big dividends for 721 members. As Local 721 has become a hub for protecting middle-class jobs in Southern California, we’ve made many powerful allies, including dozens of community and church groups that have eagerly joined our “lift all boats” strategy. Now, these partners are coming to the defense of public workers. I’m happy to say that, thanks to the incredible efforts of 721’s leaders, members and staff, our union is on track. I look forward to the great things we can do in 2015.

Bob Schoonover