On Tuesday, December 14th, the San José City Council will discuss putting a measure on the June 2022 ballot to shift the mayoral election to presidential years. Please sign up for a phone bank shift to help support this change! Phone bank details are below. 

RSVP: https://forms.gle/iEv4Nr5jg7UU3Myw6

President Barack Obama stated that “in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one should go broke just because they get sick.” Unfortunately, people do go broke. In the United States, two-thirds of people who file for bankruptcy cite medical issues as a key contributor to their financial downfall. Compounded with health disparities that disproportionally affect women and children of color, we have an unsustainable and inhumane health care system.

Irrespective of political party affiliation, there are strong arguments in favor of transforming the delivery and cost of healthcare in this country. Single Payer offers solutions to a complex system that can be accomplished by implementing AB 1400. Introduced by labor ally Ash Kalra, this compassionate commonsense legislation will positively impact working families in California.

AB 1400 allows California to invest in prevention, which will save lives and lower health care costs. We know that affordable, easy access to care has a positive effect on the health of workers by reducing chronic conditions and increasing life expectancy. Single Payer also expands coverage to all Californians, regardless of citizenship status. This will ensure that all workers in our state have access to affordable health care.

The high cost of healthcare has helped to create a climate of concessionary bargaining, triggering attacks on public sector employees, and shifting more of the costs to working people. Single Payer diminishes the liability for retiree healthcare costs and reduces the cost of coverage for all workers and their families. When we unencumber our communities from the high cost of health care, we create additional capacity for programs and services that support working families.

The Labor Movement is uniting around Single Payer because it offers tangible solutions to a seemly intractable problem. Through the leadership of CNA and ally unions, we have a path that will make healthcare a birthright for everyone in California. AB 1400 is good for workers, and we must organize to ensure its passage.

Jean Cohen

Executive Officer

South Bay Labor Council

Thurs 11/18: Join the 24-Hour Sympathy Strike in support of IUOE Local 39

For 62 days, IUOE Local 39 has been on strike for better wages and conditions. Although Kaiser in Southern California and the Guild for Professional Pharmacists have reached tentative deals and averted strikes, in Northern California, Kaiser continues to drag on the strike as they refuse to bargain in good faith. 

In solidarity with IUOE Local 39, Kaiser Permanente employees in Northern California represented by SEIU-UHW, OPEIU Local 29, and IFPTE Local 20 in the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions will hold a 24-hour sympathy strike beginning this Thursday, November 18th at 7am. Please join our brothers and sisters from Local 39 as they say no to Kaiser’s unacceptable terms that prioritize profits over employee retention and patient care standards.

What: 24-Hour Sympathy Strike in support of IUOE Local 39 members 

Where: San Jose Kaiser on 250 Hospital Parkway, San Jose, CA 95119; and, Santa Clara Kaiser on 700 Lawrence Expressway Santa Clara, CA 95051

When: From 7am on Thursday 11/18 through 7am on Friday 11/19

Who: Union Members, Community Allies, Elected Officials

Friday 11/19: NUHW & CNA Sympathy Strike in support of IUOE Local 39

On Friday, November 19th, CNA and NUHW Kaiser workers will hold a sympathy strike from 7-10am and 2-5pm at all Northern California Kaiser hospitals. Please join in solidarity with IUOE Local 39 workers.

Tues 11/16: Critical Santa Clara County Redistricting Commission Meeting with the Board of Supervisors 

On Tuesday, November 16th at 2pm, the Board of Supervisors will hold an important redistricting conversation over Zoom to deliberate which county district map they will implement. This meeting is critical. If there aren't sufficient public comments in support of the Unity Map, the Board of Supervisors may remove the Unity map from its consideration. 

We ask that you prioritize this meeting, leave a public comment, and submit a written email to the Board of Supervisors. The Unity Map is the only map being considered that will uplift the voices of working families in Santa Clara County. We need your help to make sure it gets implemented. Please email [email protected] for public comment talking points, our email template, and more information on the Unity Map.  

Action Items: 

1. Tomorrow Tuesday 11/16 at 2pm — Leave a public comment at the 11/16 Board of Supervisors Meeting in support of the Unity Map (Item 13). Click here to join.
2. Use our template to email the BOS in support of the Unity Map.

Wed 11/17: Final San José Citizens Redistricting Commission Meeting

On Wednesday, November 17th at 6pm, the San José Citizen Redistricting Commission will meet over Zoom for the final time to decide which district maps they will advance to the City Council. The commission’s decision on Wednesday depends significantly on public comment, so we urge you to join the meeting and speak in support of the Unity Map. Your participation will help ensure that San José draws equitable district lines that work for all, not just the privileged few. For talking points and more information on the Unity Map, email [email protected]

What: Leave a public comment at the final San José Citizen Redistricting Commission Meeting

When: Wednesday, November 17th at 6pm

Where: Over Zoom. Click here to join.

Join the South Bay Labor Council to support the IUOE Local 39 Stationary Engineers strike at Kaiser for wages & conditions. 

WHEN: Tuesday, September 28th from 4:30 - 6 PM

WHERE: Santa Clara Kaiser Hospital - 700 Lawrence Expressway Santa Clara, CA 95051

WHO: Union Members, Community Allies, Elected Officials

The Stationary Engineers and Biomedical Engineers maintain the fire/life/safety and mechanical systems in Kaiser buildings, in addition to maintaining all patient-related equipment and medical systems, especially important during the pandemic. They deserve a fair contract with Kaiser! 

Kaiser has rejected all economic proposals and refused to negotiate an IUOE contract in good faith. The IUOE contract expired on 9/17/2021 and now Kaiser is trying to bring chief engineers from Southern California as replacement workers. 

Show your support on Tuesday 9/28 in solidarity with our Local 39 brothers and sisters.