Local 1000 is taking action against the Sacramento Bee for its appalling decision to publish a searchable database of state employees’ names, salaries, job classifications and worksites.  Following the demonstration, we will deliver more than 3000 petitions to the Bee, demanding the names of all state employees be removed from this database.

On March 4, the Sacramento Bee published an article “State wages rise – for some” with the online version allowing readers to view a searchable database of state employees.

Local 1000 considers the publishing of this database a privacy issue.  Since March 4, Local 1000 has received dozens of calls and e-mails from members with legitimate safety concerns.  Members protected by restraining orders or victims of violence have now had their privacy invaded by a publication that was simply looking to increase circulation or traffic on its website.

This database prompted hundreds of Local 1000 members to contact Bee editors Melanie Sill and Armando Acuna by phone and e-mail.  Some e-mails were printed in a special “Feedback” section of the Bee’s Sunday edition, along with an Opinion/Editorial by Local 1000 President Jim Hard.  

In Sunday’s Op/Ed, President Hard asked the Bee to delete the names of most frontline state workers and allow database users to compare salaries and classifications more easily.

Local 1000 members, in addition to participating in Wednesday’s demonstration, have been signing a petition demanding the Bee delete employee names from the database.  

Local 1000 is exploring legislation that will protect worker privacy.