November 18, 2025 Candidate Orientation

Election Night Celebration

Special Election GOTV Events

October 19 East Side Walk!

No Kings October March and Rally

November 18, 2025 Candidate Orientation

Virtual SBLC Monthly Organizing Committee

The SBLC Organizing Committee has been meeting monthly to discuss local contract and organizing campaigns. To allow for more participation, the meetings will be held virtually.

Please join us tomorrow 10/1 at 3pm! Today's meeting will include a discussion about the San Jose Airport, Oak Grove Educators Association, Stanford, immigration, and more.

If you would like to present an update on a contract fight or organizing campaign, please email [email protected] to be added to the agenda.

What: South Bay Labor Council Monthly Organizing Committee

When: Wednesday, November 5th at 3pm

Where: On Zoom! Click here for link

RSVP: To confirm your attendance, please email [email protected]

Special Election Volunteer Schedule

SBLC Assessor Endorsement

Save the Date - March 2026 Labor Brunch

Measure A - Save Our Local Hospitals in Santa Clara County

A Local Crisis. A Local Solution.

Hospitals across Santa Clara County are in real danger. Federal healthcare cuts, driven by President Trump and Congress, have left a billion-dollar hole in our county’s budget.

Without action, hospitals will close. ERs will shut their doors. Life-saving services—trauma care, cancer treatment, mental health care—will vanish. That’s not a prediction. That’s what happens when you take $1B out of the system.

But this measure gives us a chance to hold the line.

What Is This Measure?

This is a short-term, local funding measure that keeps our hospitals open and protects access to care. It’s a five-year solution with strict oversight and independent audits. Every dollar stays in Santa Clara County. Not one cent goes to Washington.

It’s temporary. It’s local. And it’s necessary.

What’s at Stake

Without this measure:

ER wait times will soar
Clinics will close
People will be turned away
Most critically - lives will be lost

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare serves 1 in 4 county residents. It’s the largest Medicare provider in the region. And it’s our safety net. When it breaks, everyone feels it—insured or not.

Why Vote Yes?

Because this is about all of us.

Whether you’re a parent, a senior, a nurse or someone just trying to get by, you deserve emergency care when and where you need it. Not hours away. Not with the clock ticking.

This measure protects:

Emergency rooms
Trauma centers
Cancer treatment
Mental health services
Maternity care
Burn units

It protects our most vulnerable neighbors—seniors, people with disabilities and families who depend on local clinics.

Click HERE to learn more!

Sunday, August 31st - Silicon Valley Pride Parade

August 30th - Annual Labor Day Weekend BBQ

AUGUST 16, 2025, BOWLING FOR CHANGE

Contact Jack McGovern at [email protected] or our event planning team, Earp Events & Fundraising at 510-839-3100 with any questions.

August 14th, Sacramento CA

How to Exercise our Legal Rights

We are all seeing the widespread workplace raids across our state that disrupt jobsites and endanger workers and our communities. Do you know how to respond when it happens in your city or at your jobsite?

This in-person training will focus on building our skills to exercise our legal rights, stay safe at protests, and respond to worksite raids. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, practice skills, and discuss strategies. Join us in Sacramento on August 14 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP here and we hope to see you there!

August 5 Families, Not Billionaires!

July 30th Solidarity Briefing

SBLC is Hiring!

The South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council represents over 100 unions and more than 100,000 workers in Santa Clara and San Benito counties. For over 70 years, the Labor Council has championed the cause of working families in the South Bay. We achieve this objective with a combination of activities, including community organizing, leadership training, campaigning, and issues advocacy. The Labor Council’s primary goals are to advance candidates, causes, and policies that benefit working families. We are proud to run the largest, most sophisticated, electoral and policy operation in Silicon Valley.

The Communications Organizer will lead the SBLC communications program, with a focus on content production, social media management, data systems, and digital media and organizing. The ideal candidate has work experience with non-profit, media, labor, and/or political organizations; understands the goals and mission of the labor movement; and has a demonstrated, broad knowledge of online communications, messaging, and strong writing skills. We’re looking for a creative thinker with a strategic and executional mindset, that brings innovative communication approaches to the organization.

Key Job Responsibilities

Assist in developing and implementing a strategic communications plan including content, production, design, and distribution.
Oversee the Council’s internal and external communications program.
Maintain databases and other records on community organizations, policy votes, fundraising, and legislation.
Organize community forums, large-scale mobilizations, fundraisers, petitions and press conferences in support of strategic campaigns and organizational goals.
Build coalitions with community allies to organize efforts that address the long-term challenges working families face in Silicon Valley
Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS

A commitment to the labor movement and to advancing social, racial, and economic justice.
At least three years in campaign communications, labor communications, public affairs, journalism or other related experience.
Ability to work both independently and effectively as part of a team under limited direction and balance conflicting demands.
Excellent communications skills, confidence in generating written and visual content for print productions, as well as online and social media consumption.
Demonstrated design, verbal, visual/graphic, interviewing and analytical communications skills..
Advanced experience with WordPress, InDesign, Photoshop, databases, and PDI, or ability to be trained on additional software as needed.
Ability to exercise good judgment and discern priorities.
Ability to work effectively with members and staff from diverse ethnic, social, and economic groups.
Willingness to work evenings and weekends.
Valid California driver's license, working automobile and valid auto insurance.
Special consideration will be given to candidates with the ability to speak, read, and write in multiple languages.

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION

This position is based in San Jose, California. The annual salary range for this position is $70,000 to $95,000 depending on experience, in addition to a generous union benefits package. This is a full-time, exempt position.

TO APPLY: Please send a letter of interest, resume, three writing samples, and three professional references to [email protected] with “Communications Organizer” in the subject line.

July 15 Legal Training for Unions

Honoring Juneteenth

San Jose Special Election Volunteer Schedule

AUGUST 2025 BOWLING FOR CHANGE

Contact Jack McGovern at [email protected] or our event planning team, Earp Events & Fundraising at 510-839-3100 with any questions.

Annual Labor Day Weekend BBQ

California Right to Organize Act Lobby Day

SBLC affiliates are invited to join the California Federation of Unions on June 18th in Sacramento to lobby for the right to organize. If you want to attend, please click HERE!

Special Election Run-Off Volunteer Schedule

Electing a pro-labor Councilmember is a priority for the South Bay Labor Council. Union members are encouraged to walk and speak with voters at their doors about our endorsed candidate, Gabby Chavez-Lopez.

Election day is on Tuesday, June 24th! Precinct walking will originate from the Labor Council’s office at 2302 Zanker Road in San Jose at 9 AM every Saturday morning until election day. Join us to speak with District 3 residents and encourage them to vote for Gabby Chavez-Lopez! Do you need information about voting or volunteering? Email [email protected].

San Jose Special Election Campaign Kick-Off

May 10, 2025 | 9:00 AM

2302 Zanker Rd, San Jose 95131

Join Special Guests Assemblymember Ash Kalra and Supervisor Susan Ellenberg to support Gabby Chavez-Lopez for San Jose City Council District 3 before Election Day on June 24th.

Bowling for Change!

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, we will all dust off our bowling balls and shoes and get ready for the bi-annual 2025 Bowling for Change. Funds raised will support the SBLC member to member organizing work, policy and advocacy campaigns, and investments in growing power for working families.

If you do not have your own bowling gear, there is no need to worry, 4th Street Bowl will provide everything needed for you and your team. Special guest judges will decide on the "Best Team Name", "Most Spirited Lane", and more more! Lanes are filling up, so please contact us soon to reserve your team spot.

2025 Sponsorship and Ticket Information

Contact Jack McGovern at [email protected] for Bowling for Change event details and sponsorship forms.

CTA Fight For Public Education

May 17, 2025 | 12:00 PM

Embarcadero Plaza, San Francisco

Meet at Diridon Station in San Jose at 9:30am

May Day 2025

Click header for more information

GOTV Push for San Jose Special Election

Statement from Jean Cohen, Executive Officer of the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council, on President Trump’s Collective Bargaining Executive Order

March 31st - Bus to Delano

ATU Local 265 Statement

Fast Food Workers Strike on Friday!

March 28, 2025 | 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM

12:00 PM - Burger King, 1181 Old Oakland Rd, San Jose CA 95112

2:00 PM - McDonald's, 1033 Capitol Expwy, San Jose 95121

Fast food strikes on Friday! 2 locations, starting noon 3/28 at 1181 Old Oakland Rd (Burger King) then headed to McD's at 1033 Capitol Expressway at 2pm.

IFPTE 20 Unfair Labor Practice Strike March in Santa Clara County

Medical professionals working at Santa Clara County hospitals and the County public health labs will hold an Unfair Labor Practice strike next week in response to the County’s failure to negotiate in good faith.

Workers who plan to strike include hundreds of clinical lab scientists, microbiologists, medical laboratory technicians, and other healthcare professionals. They are represented by the Engineers and Scientists of California, IFPTE Local 20 and have been in negotiations with the County for their next union contract since July 2024.

ESC health professionals say that the County has impeded contract negotiations by refusing to bargain in good faith, failing and refusing to explain its proposals asking the union to waive protected rights, and threatening to unilaterally impose these waivers of rights in violation of the law. These rights include the right to negotiate over future changes to working conditions and the right to take collective action to improve patient care.

Workers unanimously voted at the end of February to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice strike, with nearly 90% of eligible workers participating in the vote and 100% of participants voting yes.

Who: Hundreds of clinical lab scientists, microbiologists, medical laboratory technicians, and other workers at Santa Clara County hospitals and public health labs

What: Unfair Labor Practice strike

When: March 24 at 6 a.m. through March 27 at 6 a.m. Workers will picket:

Monday, March 24, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Valley Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital, with rally at Valley Medical Center at noon
Tuesday, March 25, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Valley Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital
Wednesday, March 26, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Valley Medical Center with rally at noon

Where: Valley Medical Center, corner of Renova Dr. and Bascom Ave. (map) and O’Connor Hospital, Forest Ave. in front of horseshoe (map) in San Jose.

Questions: Contact: Marianne Kaletzky, 510.708.6456 or [email protected]; Jon Mill, 510.326.9097 or [email protected]

March 25th Solidarity Rally at San Jose City Hall

Stand In Solidarity with ATU 265

March 20, 2025 | 2:00 pm

North Division Mountain View, 1234 La Avenida St, Mountain View

A strike fund has been established and information can be found here (LINK). Contributions are collected by the International Union and designated to Local 265. They are used to supplement the ATU International's Local 265's strike benefits and individual hardship payments.

Cesar Chavez Day March for Immigrant Workers

March 31, 2025 | Free Bus to Delano, CA

Join the Bus: 6:30am 2302 Zanker Rd., San Jose

Stand in solidarity and march with with immigrant workers in Delano, California! Free transit is available via a bus with stops in San Mateo and San Jose, lunch will be provided. RSVP with the QR Code above or at this link.

SAVE THE POST OFFICE!

March 23 Rally in San Jose

A strike fund has been established and information can be found here (LINK). Contributions are collected by the International Union and designated to Local 265. They are used to supplement the ATU International's Local 265's strike benefits and individual hardship payments.

SJTA Educator Meet-Up and Movie

March 16, 2025

New documentary, AMERICAN AGITATORS, is a story of courage, persistence, and the power of collective action. Fred Ross Sr. worked alongside the legendary United Farm Workers organizers Dolores Huerta and César Chåvez to collectively achieve incredible gains for the labor movement. Fred Ross Sr. was a pioneer for racial and economic justice and impacted generations showing them how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary change.

On Sunday, March 16 @ 6:45p the California Theater will be premiering American Agitators, SJTA members will be meeting up beforehand at 5pm to socialize in solidarity (Location TBD). Come join us in community, learn more about how unions win, and what you can do with your colleagues to make collective action for change. Buy tickets early- they will sell out

BUY TICKETS HERE

Bay Area Fights Back

February 28, 2025 | 11:00 am

Meet at corner of El Camino and Page Mill Road

Join the South Bay Labor Council and community organization to defend our communities, schools, neighborhoods, and healthcare against the fascist billionaire coup!

Mental Health Symposium

Join the South Bay Labor Council, union representatives, and behavioral health specialists from Santa Clara County to discuss mental health and its impact on workers.

The panel will foster a dialogue, providing valuable insights and practical solutions for unions and allies. All are welcome to attend upon RSVP.

San Jose Special Election Campaign Volunteer Schedule

San Jose Special Election Campaign Kick-Off

2025 SBLC Calendar

Bowling for Change 2025

August 16, 2025 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Union Volunteer Schedule

October Walks and Phone Banks

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

November 2024 Endorsments

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF ENDORSEMENTS

UFCW 5 Lucky Workers Rally

October 24th, 4 pm - 6 pm

844 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose 95123

SEIU-UHW Dialysis Workers on Strike

October 16th, 11 am - 1 pm

1450 S. White Rd, San Jose 95127

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Opportunities for a Career in Fire Safety

September 28 - 29, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

LEARN MORE HERE

Santa Clara County Veteran Stand Down 2024

October 2 - 4, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

CLICK HERE TO RSVP AND FOR EVENT DETAILS

Santa Clara County’s Stand Down 2024 is a free 3-day event designed to provide services and support to all veterans and their families.

2024 Labor Day Weekend BBQ

August 31, 11:30am-1:30pm

CLICK HERE TO RSVP AND FOR EVENT DETAILS

To learn more about sponsorships and other event details, email [email protected]

Union Night with the San Jose Earthquakes

August 31, 7:30 pm, PayPal Park

Union Members and affiliates from the South Bay and San Mateo Labor Councils are invited to enjoy discounted tickets to the game on August 31st when the San José Earthquakes play Minnesota United at PayPal Park.

Purchase tickets through the links below and be sure to note your affiliated union. The top 3 unions from each Labor Council with the highest attendance will receive a shoutout on the big screen and a food and beverage ticket for each member at the game.

Link for South Bay Union Members: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Southbay21

2024 Campaign Academy

August 30, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

RSVP HERE

The California Federation of Labor Unions is working with the South Bay and San Mateo Central Labor Councils to host a Campaign Academy organizer training. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss and learn more about one-on-one communication skills, moving co-workers to action and organizing campaign tactics.

Unions are invited to send staff such as reps or stewards or other member activists to participate.

2024 Champions for Change

August 22, Reception at 6:00 pm

LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

On August 22, Working Partnerships USA is bringing together the biggest voices and change makers in labor, community, business, law, government, and philanthropy to celebrate their 2024 Champions for Change gala.

CVS Workers Stand Together

June 22, 11:00 am, 2515 Berryessa Rd.

Join UFCW Locals 5, 135, 324, 648, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 in their fight for a better contract on June 22 at 2514 Berryessa Rd.

SJTA Solidarity Walk

March starting at 5:00 on May 23rd

Say No to the Taxpayer Deception Act

Press Conference on May 22, 10am

May 18th - SBLC Labor Brunch

This is our annual opportunity to gather with friends and supporters, provide updates on our year's work, and to honor Labor Champions.

Keynote Speaker: Attorney General Rob Bonta

There is still time to be an event sponsor, purchase a ticket, and place an ad in the program. Email [email protected] for more information. Click HERE for details.

2024 Guests and Awardees

We are thrilled to be honoring Labor Champions and to be hearing from leaders including keynote speaker CA Attorney General Rob Bonta, Secretary Treasurer of the California Labor Federation, Lorena Gonzalez, and the Speaker of the Assembly, Robert Rivas!

2024 Honorees

Unionist of the Year - Mullissa Willette, SEIU 521

Labor Champion - Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez

Labor Coalition Award - City of San Jose Unions
(IFPTE 21, IBEW 332, AFSCME 101, OE3, IAFF Local 230)