More than 100 Local 21 Delegates gathered at the Hotel Whitcomb in San Francisco last Saturday for our first Delegate Assembly of 2013.
The Assembly’s theme, “On the Rise,” focused on the opportunities and challenges we anticipate for 2013 and beyond, including a rebounding economy, securing wage increases, protecting our health care, and dealing with the ramifications of statewide pension reform bill AB 340. Local 21’s Research Department reviewed last year’s bargaining trends to examine where we came from, where we’re headed, and lessons we can learn. Presentations focused on AB 340 (the statewide pension reform bill), active and retiree medical, and the sunset of furlough programs in many jurisdictions.
Special Guest Speaker, California State Senator Shiela Kuehl (retired) joined us and spoke about the importance of labor and why joining with others to push for universal healthcare for all increases the likelihood that public workers will continue to get coverage, while simultaneously improving the budgets of county governments. She spoke about the role Obama’s Affordable Care Act plays in expanding access and the gaps it leaves, and left Delegates with a call to action on what we need to be fighting for.
Delegates also participated in the Assembly’s normal business meeting, which included an overview of the union’s budget, discussion of our San Francisco headquarters’ relocation, renewal of our Executive Director’s contract, and the swearing in of our local union’s new Executive Committee.
Save the Date! Our next Delegate Assembly is scheduled for Saturday, June 22 at the Downtown Oakland Marriott.