News and Notes from Board Chair Bill Hall
While most of us recently enjoyed a peaceful and joy-filled Thanksgiving, we must still be mindful that the past month has brought multiple mass shootings in the United States. When these events take place at workplaces and injure workers, the impact on those employees and their families is devastating. More must be done to address the crisis in mental health that can reside at the center of these horrific events. In California, with the urging of our union partners at the California Labor Federation, Governor Newsom recently took steps to address the mental health care shortage when he signed State Senator Portantino’s (D – Burbank) bill in September 2022. Known as Senate Bill 1002, it seeks to address California’s mental health provider shortage by authorizing qualified social workers to offer assessment and therapy for mental health issues experienced by injured workers.
It’s our job to protect California State workers, and this type of legislation is doing just that in real time — even as we build power in our Contract Campaign. Our safety and rights at work is top of mind for our labor allies, as well as our Union Job Stewards and staff. Join us as we redouble our efforts in the upcoming months.
Click here to read more about SB1002.
- This week at Local 1000 my time was focused on preparations
for our Board of Directors Meeting. After presentations and
thoughtful discussion, our Board adopted a budget for 2023 with
overwhelming Director support. This budget ensures that we have
resources dedicated to support our Contract Campaign efforts. I
begin work on the next Board meeting (March 17-19, 2023, in
Sacramento) as soon as the current meeting is complete. This will
be our first in person meeting in three years. Directors
who choose to participate virtually will also be
accommodated.
- We’re pleased to welcome another staff person on loan from SEIU International, Nina Schulman. Nina is joining us as the Executive Director. She brings us vast experience in public sector and labor campaigns which will benefit us greatly during our upcoming bargaining battle. In her role, she will be working with our Directors, the Vice Presidents and myself. Our focus is on building membership, power, and attention to our 2023 contract campaign.
I’ll close with a reminder to all of our workers that we are here
for you. You are not alone. Having conversations does wonders for
your mental health, and talking through your situations with
colleagues, friends, or family can bring clarity and provide a
sense of security.
Thank you for your support,
William (Bill) Hall
Board Chair, SEIU Local 1000
bhall@seiu1000.org