Statement on behalf of Bob Schoonover, President of SEIU Local 721:
“In the last 48 hours, the SEIU 721 bargaining team and our Fix LA community partners have finally witnessed some movement at the bargaining table. For that reason we have decided to not initiate a strike today. However, key issues for our members and the communities they serve must still be fully addressed.
It happened today. Thousands of fast food workers went on strike in hundreds of cities. And they weren’t in the streets alone. SEIU 721 members were there in full force.
On April 15, we called on the Board of Supervisors to strengthen public services and end poverty wages. The wages working families are being paid are completely out of balance with what people need to survive.
Overwhelming 86% yes vote for a strike and full backing from community leaders and clergy allows 10,000 members to escalate their fight with rallying cry “Our Streets, Not Wall Street!”
After several years of fighting to get out of a corrupt Association that often went against their members’ best interest, over 800 San Bernardino County workers in the Professional Unit voted to join SEIU Local 721 last week.
As you know, we are doing everything to extend the mediation period in hopes that City Officials will finally step up and prioritize the services LA communities depend on; however, to date LA City officials have failed to present acceptable proposals that could lead to final agreement.
During a recent membership meeting, SEIU 721 City of San Jacinto Chapter members voted to extend their contract by one year citing ongoing concerns over the financial situation of the city. Members also voted to support the current effort to pass Measure A, a utility tax, which would bring new revenue to the city.
Join Southern California’s elected, community and labor leaders in honoring the legacy of four extraordinary individuals who have left their indelible mark in the lives of working families, the communities we live in and our labor movement. The First Annual Labor Legacy Awards hosted by SEIU Local 721 will be held Friday, March 27 starting at 6 p.m., at 1545 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles.
The Santa Paula City Council voted to approve a contract extension and vacation buybacks.
What Happened?
After months of negotiating last year and after multiple trips to City Council meetings to present a case for why members should have the option to do vacation buybacks the Council finally voted to institute the buybacks.