- Ventura County members have been in contract negotiations since June 2009 with more than 1,500 members participating in meetings and worksite actions. The county has switched its proposal three different times with the third proposal motivating members to collect 1,200 signatures from their co-workers in one week for a “share the sacrifice” petition that they delivered to the Board of Supervisors. Two weeks later, a Board letter announced the proposed cuts to SEIU members would be accepted by all managers and non-represented workers. Ventura County members are currently still in negotiations.
- Almost 500 workers from the City of Ventura (two employee units), Oxnard temporary workers and student workers for Ventura County exercised their right to form a union and have a stronger voice about their working conditions. After several months of discussions and elections, all three groups of workers were recognized as members of SEIU 721 which allowed them to negotiate their first contract in 2009.
- Ventura County Eligibility Workers were recognized by the state and federal government for their 99% accuracy record in helping families qualify for food stamp benefits. Demand for our members’ services has increased during the recession.
- Despite the fact that the Tri-County Regional Centers gets their entire funding from the state government, members were recently able to negotiate a contract that protected wages and benefits. Members will continue discussing ways to reduce costs and advocate for funding increases in Sacramento.
- City of Port Hueneme members wanted to increase their strength and voice and held a successful agency shop election to require all city employees to become members or fee payers of SEIU 721.
- In 2009, more than 400 members advocated for employee rights, public services and our clients by meeting with elected officials in Sacramento, Washington, D.C. and locally at their offices. Members were able to relay stories about the impact funding cuts had on real people. Several elected officials have committed to spending time with workers on the job in 2010.
- SEIU members helped elect or reelect Santa Barbara Supervisor Doreen Farr, Ventura City Council members Jim Monahan and Brian Brennan. These officials were chosen because of their commitment to preserving services during a difficult economy and to stronger communications with front-line workers.
- The Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors shifted to more open communications between unions and department heads as a result of the state and county budget crisis and because of the dedication of workers. This has empowered more workers providing public services to have a stronger voice when speaking up about working conditions and the public that rely on these services.
- Gold Coast Transit drivers negotiated strong labor-management language to protect them from arbitrary discipline. Members filled the room with public supporters at board meeting during the negotiations.
- Members from the Cities of Ventura, Santa Paula, Simi Valley and Ventura County compiled cost saving measures and revenue ideas to save millions of dollars. Workers are determined to see more ideas implemented in 2010 in order to preserve services and jobs.