This past year, our unions and our communities have been hit by the challenges caused by a global pandemic and the ensuing economic fallout. Despite the unprecedented trials that Central Coast working families have been facing, we are still here, helping each other, fighting for each other and organizing in the face of fierce, obscenely funded opposition. Whether it’s AFSCME Local 3299 stopping a years long effort to outsource jobs with a hard-fought contract, or UAW 2865 employees going on a wildcat strike in the middle of a pandemic, workers have persevered, fought and won rights against a backdrop of a once in a century pandemic and an inequitable economic climate not seen since the roaring 20’s. Let’s take a look at some highlights of what was accomplished this year:
AFSCME 3299 agrees to Historic agreement: After being attacked through outsourcing and bad faith management, UC workers fought back through years of strikes and legal action, culminating in getting a fair contract.
UAW Wildcat Strike: In the midst of a pandemic and a recession, UC union members went on a wildcat strike for a cost of living adjustment. After members were fired, they continued to fight and ultimately got concessions from the UC out of contract.
Labor Counts: From 2019 - 2020, the CCLC took part in a census program that reached out to all union members in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Through visits to local unions, events, classes, and phone banking, we were able to contact over 30,000 union members, helping the Central Coast finish with a response rate higher than the state and national averages.
Thank you Essential workers: Since March, we have had essential union workers that have risked their lives to help others. Thank you to our members in the healthcare industries such as hospital and homecare workers, child care workers, Grocery store workers, construction workers, public workers, and everybody who has stepped up to keep us safe and our communities sustainable.
Food Distribution: With the spread of Covid-19 and the ensuing economic recession, we spoke with union leaders and decided to do a weekly drive-thru food distribution. Since May 11, there has been a union-run community food bank in Ventura every Monday that has assisted over 10,000 families and 50,000 people in the county. It will continue going well into 2021. Thank you to our volunteers for continuing to help our community.
Childcare For All: In the biggest labor election in 2 decades, 45,000 child care providers officially became union members. After years of hard work and organizing, 97% voted YES. In a workforce that is mostly women and 74% people of color, it was a historic win for Labor rights.
A Successful Fall: At the end of the day, what really mattered to our members and allies was defeating Donald Trump. Central Coast working families helped the cause by volunteering to call members in swing states. That success helped translate to local victories. Union members had a strong voice at the polls for city council races, school boards, parks and rec, city measures as well as many other races. It showed how powerful the voices of workers can be, not just nationally, but locally as well.
Despite the difficulties of this last year, we kept moving forward due to the tenacity of our workers. Thank you to everybody that has helped their community, through work, volunteering and organizing. We will continue the fight into 2021!