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C57 LOCAL GENERAL ELECTIONS ENDORSEMENTS 2024

C57 Local General Election Endorsements for 2024

Federal funding to help vulnerable Americans in danger of getting cut

Federal money for programs and services that help millions of vulnerable Americans and employ many AFSCME members could be in jeopardy next year.

San Diego Puts Ill-Conceived ‘Proposition B’ Pension Measure to Bed

In an epic legal and political victory that has ramifications for the retirement security of public employees across California, the San Diego City Council has voted to join AFSCME District Council 36, AFSCME Local 127 and other city labor unions to invalidate its own pension “reform” measure, Proposition B.

The 6-3 vote on June 10 reverses San Diego’s course.

Nevada State Employees Gain Collective Bargaining Rights

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak has signed into law a historic bill granting 20,000 state workers the right to collectively bargain.

The bill, which he signed Wednesday, is the largest expansion of collective bargaining rights for state workers anywhere in the U.S. in 16 years, and it will position those workers to better fight a rigged economy that favors the wealthy.

Probation Department Members Honored for Making an Impact in Merced County

Barbara Glaze helps veterans who have found their way into the criminal justice system. Jaclyn Valenzuela regularly connects with troubled young people who no one else wants to deal with at the juvenile hall.

They both have difficult jobs in the Merced County Probation Department. But their dedication to their jobs and passion for people under their care are reasons why both members received awards at the recent Merced County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards ceremony.

Protecting Nurses During National Nurses Week

During National Nurses Week, we celebrate the heroes who, with skill and compassion, care for the sick. This year, we’re honoring their hard work and dedication by supporting the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, a bill that seeks to raise the bar on safety standards and protect nurses from preventable incidents of violence at work.

Sacramento County Food Service Workers Win Backpay After Members Demand Equity

For years, the Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility was understaffed in its laundry room. On many days, one worker would be responsible for washing clothes for the entire facility—a job for at least three people.

To keep things running smoothly, the facility did what it thought was the next best thing to “fix” the problem: Bring in on-call food service workers to fill in the gap.

The only problem: That “fix” was actually in violation of the food service workers’ rights.

Congratulations to the New Council 57 Executive Board

Members elected a new Executive Board for Council 57 at the April Delegates Meeting, bringing in a number of fresh new voices to guide AFSCME's presence in Northern California over the next term.

Out of the 15 board positions, 12 different locals are represented. That's a true testament of the democratic nature of our union, and each new board member pledged to do their part to represent all locals' interests and make our union stronger.

We Can Do More for Worker Safety

Workers Memorial Day is this Sunday, April 28, when we honor workers killed or injured on the job. On this day in 1971, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was formed.

For almost half a century, OSHA has been charged with helping to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for men and women across this country. But under the Trump administration, OSHA is failing us. As we observe Workers Memorial Day, it’s clear that we can do more – much more – for worker safety.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: A Broken Promise

Megha Desai is a public defender in Multnomah County, Oregon. In a given week, she might work upwards of 60 hours. Right now, she has about 145 open cases.

“It's like a conveyor belt. Every day you work on your assigned cases, new ones roll in,” said Desai, a member of Local 2805 (Council 75). “There's a joke in the office: If you don't come in on the weekends, you’re screwed for the next week.”

The first weekend of April was an exception: It was her wedding.