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 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 stewards and staff. Join us as we redouble our efforts in the upcoming months. 

https://sd25.senate.ca.gov/news/2022-09-28/governor-newsom-signs-senator-portantino%E2%80%99s-bill-addressing-mental-health-provider

  • 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 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 by thanking all of you for the civility that was on full display this past weekend at our Board of Directors meeting. I appreciate the hard work all of you are doing to help move Local 1000 forward.

 

 

 

 

William (Bill) Hall
Board Chair, SEIU Local 1000
[email protected]