Protecting our future means fighting for everything, everywhere, all at once
It feels like we’re living in the movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once”—threats and challenges are coming at workers from every direction. Chief among them is the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” (HR1), a devastating attack that will slash billions from essential services—putting healthcare, public safety, and the livelihoods of working families at risk.
While the ultra-right in Washington, D.C. want to divide us and gut public services, SEIU 721 members are rising to the challenge everywhere you look. L.A. County workers are locking in strong agreements at bargaining unit tables, rideshare drivers are launching a summer blitz to grow a statewide gig workers union, and our union helped U.S. Senator Alex Padilla launch an immigration reform bill that will provide a path to citizenship for law-abiding immigrant workers.
From Riverside to Ventura to Los Angeles, scores of SEIU 721 members mobilized for the nationwide Families First day of action to protest sweeping cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, child care, education, and other essential services.
Our union stands for dignity, justice and everyone’s right to a fair shot at the American Dream. We’ll win by organizing, lobbying, bargaining and fighting hard for everything, everywhere, all at once.
In solidarity,
Celebrating a Lioness of Labor
From her trademark purple glasses and purple 721 t-shirts, elected SEIU 721 Secretary Lillian Cabral is not shy about showing her Purple Pride. Lillian, who’s been an LA County employee for 47 years, works at LAC+USC, which is the hospital where she was born. She says working for the county and having a union job gave her a chance at the American Dream.
“I understand that the only way we have a voice is through our unions and through groups that are sick and tired of being sick and tired,” she said.
“With the ugly reality of the so-called Big Beautiful Bill and federal cutbacks, working people need strong unions more than ever.”
LA County Workers Push to the Finish Line
Momentum builds as more BUs lock in agreements
The finish line is in sight for our LA County contract campaign as more Bargaining Units lock in deals.
So far, nine of our 22 Bargaining Units have wrapped up negotiations, and the remaining 13 are making steady progress at the table every day.
All LA County workers are covered by one master contract made up of two parts: a General Tentative Agreement (TA) and separate agreements for each BU.
We’ve already secured the General TA, which includes major wins for everyone. The Bargaining Unit-specific negotiations take more time because each unit has unique needs and priorities that require tailored agreements.
As each of the 22 units finalizes its terms, we’ll share the full details with members.
LA County members secured a General TA with big wins for all of us:
- Won $7,000 in historic bonuses
- Locked in 7% COLA raises over three years
- Beat back county management’s “poison pill” clause that threatened future raises
- Protected our healthcare with a 24% funding increase over three years
- Secured stronger grievance rights, more union access to New Employee Orientation and a County commitment to fill vacant positions
“LA County members showed what’s possible with the General TA win. Now we’re staying united to deliver strong results at every bargaining table.”
Families First
SEIU 721 Joins UHW-West in National “Families First” Mobilization
On Saturday, July 26, SEIU 721 members stood shoulder to shoulder with our union siblings from SEIU-UHW West and thousands of essential workers nationwide for the Families First mobilization.
Together, we delivered a powerful message: Our families come first, not billionaires, corrupt politicians or heartless ICE agents.
SEIU 721 President David Green joined the rally to reaffirm our union’s commitment to defending working families and standing up against attacks on healthcare, immigrant communities and our neighborhoods. Also taking the stage was SEIU 721 member Catherine Ayala of Olive View Medical Center who proudly spoke on behalf of frontline workers demanding justice, dignity and compassion.
This rally was part of a nationwide response to a federal budget that slashes funding for healthcare, food assistance and education while pouring billions into corporate tax breaks and warrantless immigration raids. That is not what our communities need.
We showed up to protect our families, defend our neighbors and fight for a future where every one of us can thrive no matter where we come from.
Standing Up for Real Immigration Reform
SEIU 721 Hosts Senator Alex Padilla to Announce Major Immigration Reform Bill
SEIU Local 721 proudly welcomed U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and immigrant rights advocates to our Los Angeles headquarters to introduce his “Registry Bill”—legislation that would provide a pathway to permanent legal status for millions of undocumented residents who have lived and worked and paid taxes in the U.S. for at least seven years.
The proposal updates the long-outdated Immigration Registry Act of 1929, last revised in 1986. It would offer relief to DREAMers, essential workers, refugees with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other forcibly displaced individuals. With immigration raids targeting communities across L.A.—including near our union office—this bill offers a desperately needed solution rooted in fairness and dignity.
“Our union has always stood for working people—no matter where they were born,” said SEIU 721 President David Green. “When ICE raids tear apart our neighborhoods, it’s not just immigrant families who suffer—we all do. We thank Senator Padilla for bringing real leadership to this fight for justice.”
The fight continues—and we are all in.
Rideshare Drivers Launch Summer Blitz to Build CA Gig Workers Union
Rideshare drivers kicked off a summer blitz on Monday, July 28, seeking to build support among thousands of their colleagues and fight to build a California GigWorkers Union.
This summer, drivers plan to recruit colleagues to the union movement and win support among the public and lawmakers to pass Assembly Bill 1340 (AB 1340)—the state law that will give rideshare drivers the right to form a union and bargain with gig companies like Uber and Lyft for better wages and working conditions.
For many years, drivers have faced poverty wages, unfair dismissals and limited access to health benefits or workers’ compensation if they’re injured on the job. With a union, they hope to build collective power to win the fair pay and working conditions they deserve.
“SEIU 721 members stand with rideshare drivers in their fight to build a California Gig Workers Union. We will support them all the way,” said SEIU 721 Treasurer Adolfo Granados.
SEIU 721 MEMBERS TURN UP THE HEAT WITH PRACTICE PICKETS AND COUNCIL VISITS
Throughout July, City of Riverside members have been showing up strong—holding early morning practice pickets at worksites across the city and making sure their voices are heard loud and clear.
In addition to taking action on the ground, members have brought their message directly to City Council members, demanding respect and a fair contract. That pressure is working—the city has been forced to ramp up the bargaining schedule and come to the table with real responses.
But members aren’t letting up. They’ll be out in force at the upcoming City Council meeting in early August, continuing to demand the fair agreement they’ve earned!
“All over the Inland Region, SEIU 721 members are fired up — and they’re turning up the heat to win strong contracts.”
On July 23, SEIU 721 President David Green met with Ventura County Social Workers to discuss strategies for strengthening our contract campaign and elevating the social work profession.
This year, we restructured the County of Ventura bargaining process to ensure greater member involvement and stronger representation. Social workers now have their own dedicated bargaining table—giving them a direct voice in shaping the future of their contract and their profession.
SEIU 721 Deputy Chief of Staff Raymond Meza has been selected as Chair of the LA City Charter Reform Commission—the first full review of the City governing document more than 25 years. Created by Mayor Karen Bass and the City Council, the 13-member civilian commission is tasked with examining how LA’s government functions and recommending updates to improve transparency, accountability and service delivery. With Raymond’s leadership and deep community roots, working Angelenos will have a strong voice in this historic process.
LAWA WORKERS LEARN ABOUT WEINGARTEN RIGHTS
Custodial staff at Los Angeles World Airports were the first to take part in our new “Good To Know” member-led training series.
During the launch session, LAWA members on day and swing shifts learned about their Weingarten Rights in a presentation led by Shop Steward and SEIU 721 Executive Board Member Saundra Dixon. She reminded members that while building positive relationships with management is important, it is just as critical to protect themselves. Dixon demonstrated how and when employees can invoke their right to union representation during investigatory meetings.
The Good To Know series is designed to empower SEIU 721 members with practical skills and knowledge they can use both on the job and in their daily lives.
Stay tuned — more trainings are coming soon to worksites across our union.
At our July 31st COPE meeting, SEIU 721 members proudly endorsed Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez for re-election in LA’s 13th District. Elected in 2022, Hugo made history as the first rank-and-file union organizer elected to the Council — and today, he remains its only renter. From day one, he’s brought his lived experience and deep labor roots to City Hall, fighting for policies that uplift working-class Angelenos. Whether it’s affordable housing, workers’ rights, or public services that meet the needs of our communities, Hugo is leading with clarity and conviction. We’re proud to support his continued leadership.
Retiree Committee Clothing Drive
The SEIU 721 Retiree Committee is continuing its commitment to helping those in need with its 2nd Annual Clothing Drive benefiting the Union Rescue Mission.
Committee members generously donated several large bags filled with new and gently used clothing, shoes and socks. The Mission expressed its gratitude, sharing:
“The clothing you’ve collected will go directly to individuals and families who are working hard to rebuild their lives. It may seem simple, but a clean shirt, a warm jacket or a pair of shoes can bring a sense of comfort, dignity and hope to someone facing difficult times.”
A heartfelt thank you to our retirees for setting such a powerful example of what it means to be part of a union that truly shows up for our community.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
LMU Faculty Fight Back
Non-tenure track (NTT) faculty at Loyola Marymount University are fighting back against the administration’s labor law violations.
The faculty’s elected Bargaining Action Team authorized filing Unfair Labor Practice charges against LMU for withholding promotions for union NTT faculty and stopping regular merit-pay increases for full-time members of the unit.
These moves egregiously violate labor law and these faculty members’ rights by discriminating against them as union members and unilaterally changing their working conditions. The LMU NTT instructors— all members of SEIU 721 — serve in the university’s Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, the College of Communication and Fine Arts, and the School of Film and Television.
The faculty believe the administration is holding advancement opportunities and merit increases hostage until reaching a first contract to gain leverage at the bargaining table.
“We support LMU NTT Faculty in their fight against the university’s labor law violations,” says David Green.
“LMU must stop disrespecting our members and violating their rights!”
HANDS OFF OUR HEALTHCARE!
While we’ve reached agreement on a few minor points in contract negotiations at Northeast Valley Health Corporation, management continues to stall on the issues that matter most. They have yet to propose even a modest wage increase that keeps pace with the cost of living. On top of that, they’re still pushing to replace employees’ healthcare with a Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP)—a clear takeaway our members have already rejected in the past.
This refusal to move on wages and healthcare is not just disappointing—it’s disrespectful, especially given the essential, life-saving care NEVHC staff provide to our community every day. We will not stand by while management gambles with our health. If they continue down this path, we are prepared to escalate our campaign.
SEIU 721 Chief of Staff Gilda Valdez
Our Union
The ugly impacts of the “Big Beautiful Bill”
Our jobs and the essential services we deliver—healthcare, social welfare, parks, public safety—are facing the biggest threat in years from passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” (HR1). This bill triggers billions in federal funding cuts for cities and counties, including Los Angeles, Ventura, and Riverside, hitting hard all those who rely on Medi-Cal, public health, and safety net programs
Here’s what it means for us:
California hospitals could lose $66–128 billion in Medi-Cal funding over 10 years — the largest cut in state history.
Millions risk losing healthcare coverage. In Los Angeles County alone, hundreds of thousands could become uninsured, swelling ER wait times and preventable illnesses.
Local budgets will buckle as the uninsured rate soars, forcing job cuts, reduced services, and potential clinic/hospital closures.
Critical mental health, long-term care, and child welfare services face deep reductions, especially for seniors, disabled, and vulnerable families.
County red tape, work requirements, and paperwork will rise, pushing out those most in need and adding to frontline worker stress.
SEIU 721 has always fought for our families and communities. Now is the time to get organized, stand together, and defend our work and those we serve. Watch for union actions and be ready to rally—because united we fight, united we win!
