Don’t Listen to the Billionaires — LA County Workers Deserve Fair Pay
Moments after SEIU 721 members secured a TA that locks in raises and bonuses and blocks County take-backs, CEO Fesia Davenport told the media that fair pay for frontline workers is a burden on public resources. Let’s be clear: this isn’t just misguided — it’s part of a coordinated attack fueled by right-wing, billionaire-backed dark money.
Davenport’s remarks echo talking points from the California Policy Center, an anti-union think tank funded by the Mercer family, the Koch network and the DeVos family — all pushing the same narrative.
In a recent Los Angeles Times letter to the editor, LA County occupational therapist Christine Truong responded:
“The [County CEO and Board of Supervisors] can’t claim to serve the county while turning their back on those who serve and live in it. Denying workers a fair agreement isn’t more fiscally responsible — it’s a failure of duty to Angelenos on multiple levels.”
I couldn’t have said it better — and I deeply appreciate her speaking out.
This agreement will help workers keep up with spiraling living costs. It’s an overdue investment in LA County’s workforce, and we earned every part of it.
We’re not going to let the billionaires re-write the story.
And we’ll stay united until every Bargaining Unit wins a fair contract.
In solidarity,
Protecting Vital Health Care for Every Californian
When We Fight, We Win!
On Wednesday, June 25, SEIU 721 joined a virtual emergency briefing hosted by St. John’s Community Health to confront the devastating federal and state attacks on healthcare access.
With deep Medicaid cuts proposed in Congress and the California budget threatening Medi-Cal coverage for immigrant communities, public health advocates, labor leaders, and elected officials came together to chart a path forward.
Speakers included Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, State Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Mayor Karen Bass, and SEIU 721 President David Green, alongside leaders from community health, immigrant justice and faith organizations.
Panelists warned that safety-net
clinics could face closures, layoffs
and reduced access to care, while
ICE raids are already deterring immigrant families from seeking health services. The message was clear: patients’ lives are on the line, and frontline workers must stay mobilized.
Stay tuned for next steps in our campaign to defend Medi-Cal and protect care for all Californians
LA County members just won a new TA. Now billionaires are trying to take it away.
Billionaire-backed California Policy Center attacks SEIU 721 LA County
TA as ‘reckless’ and calls public workers undeserving and “tone deaf.”
Within days of SEIU 721 members win on common table Tentative Agreement with LA County, anti-union dark money groups are trying to tear it down.
The California Policy Center — backed by billionaire donors like Robert Mercer, the Koch network and the DeVos family — is calling the raises and bonuses in our hard-fought agreement “reckless” and is attacking public workers as undeserving and “tone deaf.”
Let’s be clear: We didn’t take anything — we earned it.
Our organizing delivered a TA that locks in raises and bonuses and blocks county take-backs:
- $7,000 in bonuses
- 7% COLAs
- 24% increase in healthcare contributions over 3 years
- Blocked language allowing the County to cut our raises
- Stronger union and grievance rights
These wins are real — and so is the backlash. The County says there’s “nothing left” for our Bargaining Unit tables, and billionaire-funded critics are trying to turn the public against us.
We’re not going to let them. We’ll fight for what we deserve until every Bargaining Unit wins a fair contract.
“SEIU 721 LA County members have finally secured a Common Table
Agreement that will put real money in the pockets of working families struggling with inflation.
We’re not going to let a bunch of antiunion billionaires take it away.”
FREE DAVID HUERTA!
SEIU 721 joined labor unions, clergy and immigrant justice advocates on June 9 in a powerful show of unity at Grand Park,
demanding the release of SEIU California President David Huerta after his unjust ICE arrest.
Thousands packed the space between the Hall of Administration and LA Superior Court in a peaceful rally that demonstrated the power of nonviolent protest. Just hours later, Huerta was released on a $50,000 bond.
Speakers included SEIU 721 Vice President Simboa Wright, SEIU President April Verrett, Christian Ramirez of SEIU-USWW and leaders from SEIU 99, 2015, 521, 221, UHW, CIR, CFA and CSUEU. We stood with allies like Dolores Huerta, Yvonne Wheeler of the LA Fed, clergy, civil rights leaders and members of AFSCME, UTLA, ILWU and more.
David Huerta is a labor champion — and his arrest is an attack not just on him but on all of us who fight for justice. All charges must be dropped.
ICE raids must end. These cruel actions tear apart families, hurt workers and undermine our communities. The fight isn’t over—but June 9, we showed the power of solidarity.
“DAVID HUERTA IS A LABOR CHAMPION FIGHTING FOR WORKING PEOPLE. WE’RE PROUD TO RALLY FOR HIM BECAUSE HE’S STANDING UP FOR ALL OF US.”
SEIU 721 Member Endorsed
At our May 7th Town Hall, SEIU 721 COPE members proudly endorsed Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky for re-election in LA’s 5th District. A longtime environmental advocate and former County policy advisor, Katy has been a champion for public services, frontline workers and a more sustainable Los Angeles.
Since joining the Council in 2022, she’s pushed for investments in housing, climate resilience and worker protections. The daughter of former County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, Katy brings a lifelong commitment to equity and community. We’re proud to back her continued leadership for a greener, fairer city.
Paid for by Service Employees International Union Local 721 CTW, CLC, Workers’ Strength Committee, 1545 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles.
Not authorized by or coordinated with a City candidate or a committee controlled by a candidate.
Additional information is available at ethics.lacity.org.
Behavioral Health Workers at South Central Family Health Center Vote to Join SEIU 721
Behavioral health staff at South Central Family Health Center voted unanimously to join SEIU 721, according to ballots tallied by the National Labor Relations Board on Tuesday, June 24.
The new members — including social workers, case managers and clinicians — join co-workers in the center’s medical unit, who voted to unionize in February.
They’re organizing for fair pay, better benefits and safer working conditions, citing years of short-staffing, overwhelming workloads and poor management that have caused daily dysfunction and burnout.
By unionizing, they’re demanding accountability, a voice on the job and real solutions to the retention crisis.
“We’re proud to welcome these workers to our union family,” said SEIU 721 President David Green.
“They provide essential care to vulnerable communities and deserve the respect, support and conditions to do their best work.”
LMU NTT Faculty Speak Out on video:
‘we deserve better’
Non-tenure track (NTT) faculty at Loyola Marymount University are speaking out in new social media videos about their ongoing fight for a fair first contract. Shared on Instagram and Facebook, the videos spotlight the urgent need for better pay, job security and working conditions.
Michael FX Daley (Associate Clinical Professor of Screenwriting), Maureen Gonzalez (Lecturer in the Department of Dance) and Sam Goff (Part-Time Lecturer) each call on fellow NTT faculty to get involved by joining the Contract Action Team (CAT) — a key group helping keep colleagues informed and mobilized during negotiations.
LMU’s NTT faculty voted overwhelmingly to unionize with SEIU Local 721 in June 2024. They teach across the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, the College of Communication and Fine Arts and the School of Film and Television, including animation, English, ethnic studies, music, political science and more.
As contract talks continue, visibility and participation remain critical. CAT members are leading the charge — there’s no better time to step up.
SEIU 721 Members Tell the City of Simi Valley: “Stop Stonewalling at the Bargaining Table!”
SEIU 721 members in Simi Valley have returned to the bargaining table multiple times since May, but the City has yet to respond to our initial proposals.
After weeks of silence, members held an informational picket on June 18 to show unity and frustration. That same day, the City handed out free lunches, but members made it clear: we want serious negotiations, not gestures.
On June 23, members showed up again, this time at the City Council meeting, where more than six spoke out.
SEIU 721 Chapter Board President Vivienne DeLuca set the tone:
“Appreciation isn’t just about free lunches — it’s about fair treatment, inclusion and investment in those who serve with pride.”
We’re united and committed to winning a contract that delivers respect, fairness and real progress.
Tri-Counties Members Turn Up the Heat in Oxnard and APCD
SEIU 721 members in the Tri-Counties are in the middle of 10 active bargaining campaigns — and momentum is growing.
City of Oxnard members are fired up for a strong contract!
In the City of Oxnard, members are pushing for a strong contract with record-high participation. Workers have organized informational pickets and spoken out at City Council meetings, demanding fair wages, respect and investment in public services.
Calling Out a Toxic Workplace at Ventura County APCD!
At the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District, members stood up
to a bully boss, delivering a petition to
the Board and demanding real
accountability. The message is clear: workplace harassment has no place in public service.
From Oxnard to APCD, Tri-Counties members are stepping up and speaking out. When we fight, we win — together.
Momentum Building for Gig Union
Bill Boosting Union Rights for Rideshare Drivers Passes Key CA Senate Committee
Momentum is growing for a drivers’ union. On June 26, Uber and Lyft drivers across California celebrated a major step forward as AB 1340 (Wicks, Berman) passed out of the Senate Labor Committee with strong support.
The bill would give California’s 800,000+ rideshare drivers the right to form a union and negotiate with companies like Uber and Lyft over pay, working conditions and protections from unfair treatment.
“We’re fed up with empty promises,” said Jesus Guerrero, a driver from Los Angeles. “Fares go up, but my pay keeps shrinking. A union is the only way we’ll have a real voice.”
Drivers are fighting back against unfair deactivations, shrinking pay and lack of transparency. Right now, drivers can be cut off without warning, losing their income overnight.
“These companies can take 30% of our earnings without explanation,” said Janice Jackson, a longtime Uber driver. “Only a union gives us power. It’s time for the full California Senate to pass AB 1340.”
What AB 1340 Would Do:
- Allow drivers to form a union and bargain with app companies
- End “robo-firings” with no due process
- Ensure drivers receive full in-app tips
- Make fare breakdowns transparent for drivers and riders
SEIU 721 Inland Region Fights for Fair Contracts and Wins
Across the Inland Region, we’re showing the power of unity: standing strong at the bargaining table, demanding respect and winning contracts that reflect our value.
City Workers are Fed Up and Fired Up in Riverside
In the City of Riverside, we’re tired of being treated like second-class employees. Despite our essential contributions, management continues to show disrespect at the table.
But we’re not backing down. After months of escalating workplace actions and powerful turnout at City Hall, we launched a strike authorization vote in June to send a clear message: we won’t be left behind. We’re united and ready to do what it takes to win a fair contract.
We Fought and We Won at the Lake Hemet Water District
At the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District, we ratified a strong three-year contract in June that delivers real improvements:
- Annual raises tied to CPI
- Stronger union rights
- Expanded leave
- Increased safety shoe/boot allowance
This win is a direct result of our solidarity and determination to demand what we deserve.
SEIU 721 Members Celebrate Pride Month with Unity and Purpose
SEIU 721 members proudly celebrated Pride Month 2025, honoring the strength, resilience and contributions of our LGBTQ+ union siblings.
As union members, we know the fight for worker rights is also a fight for human rights, dignity and equality for all. That includes standing up for LGBTQ+ workers — on the job, in our union and in our communities.
While we’ve seen real progress, the struggle continues. LGBTQ+ people — especially trans and nonbinary individuals — still face workplace discrimination and political attacks.
That’s why SEIU 721 remains committed to being an inclusive, safe and powerful space for all workers, no matter who they are or who they love. Pride Month is a time to celebrate, but also to recommit to justice — for fair workplaces, safe communities and equal rights.
Solidarity means no one gets left behind.
When we fight together, we win
African American Caucus Visits Historic Allensworth
The SEIU 721 African American Caucus celebrated Juneteenth with a visit to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park — the only California town founded, financed and governed by African Americans.
Members explored historic buildings, enjoyed live music, food and entertainment and reflected on Juneteenth’s meaning: a celebration of freedom and Black resilience.
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas (two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation) to enforce the end of slavery.
In 2021, President Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday, honoring this long-overlooked chapter of American history.
The visit was a reminder of our shared legacy, and our ongoing fight for justice and dignity at work and beyond.
Together, we celebrate. Together, we win.
NEVHC Members Won’t Back Down Until We Get a Fair Deal
At the bargaining table, NEVHC workers are calling out management’s insulting offers. With our contract set to expire, the employer continues to show up with proposals that amount to peanuts—despite the vital care we provide to our communities every day.
Northeast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC) is a nonprofit health provider serving nearly 81,000 patients across 14 sites in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. From medical and dental services to behavioral health and WIC programs, our work keeps families healthy and communities strong.
Instead of valuing that work, management has dragged its feet. But we’re responding with strength and solidarity.
We know our worth, and we won’t back down until we get a fair deal.
Summer of Resistance
SEIU 721 Joins Fight to Protect Worker Civil Rights and Due Process
SEIU 721 kicked off the “Summer of Resistance” on June 13 at La Placita Olvera, uniting with fellow unions, immigrant rights groups, clergy and community allies to launch a 30-day campaign of peaceful protest against escalating ICE raids across Southern California.
President David Green recounted a recent raid near our union hall as a call to action.
“There is power in workers and immigrants. And when we fight?” Green asked.
“WE WIN!” the crowd roared.
The “Summer of Resistance” will feature rapid response efforts, know-your-rights trainings, mutual aid, art, prayer vigils and more.
Community partners including UTLA, UFCW, CHIRLA, CARECEN, KIWA and CLUE pledged support.
“This isn’t just a legal fight, it’s a moral one” said Pastor Cue-Jn-Marie.
“Our schools will remain safe havens,” added UTLA teacher Thalia.
If you or someone you know is affected by a raid, call CHIRLA’s hotline: (888) 624-4752
SEIU 721 chief of staff gilda valdez
Our Union
The Summer of Resistance Is About All of Us
Warrantless federal raids in Los Angeles targeting immigrant workers without criminal records have sparked a public backlash. Coupled with the Trump administration’s mass firing of public workers at the Department of Education, the State Department and other agencies — they are chilling reminder for all working people: when those in power want to silence dissent, they start by targeting the most vulnerable.
That’s why SEIU 721 joined the Summer of Resistance alongside labor, faith and immigrant justice allies. We’re standing up to a wave of anti-immigrant, anti-worker attacks — raids, detentions, surveillance and budget cuts — all meant to divide and intimidate.
But this isn’t just about immigration. It’s about civil rights, workers’ rights,and due process for all. To paraphrase the famous poem about the rise of dictatorship: First they come for them… and then they come for us. We can’t stay silent while other vulnerable communities are targeted — because sooner or later they’ll come for our unions, our contracts, and our democracy.
Whether in the streets of Los Angeles or in our union halls, we are making it clear: we will not back down. The Summer of Resistance is a fight for the future of public service, dignity on the job and the right of every person — immigrant or not — to be treated with respect.
We fight together. And when we fight, we win.
