On January 17th, more than 700 Local 21 members crowded the steps of San Francisco City Hall, overflowing onto the sidewalk below. 5 City Supervisors, representatives from 7 other unions and 2 Labor Councils, and several community groups came out to support us in calling on the City to do to its part to address the shrinking middle class and the widening wealth gap as the largest employer in San Francisco. The rally marked the kickoff for 2019 bargaining.

Opening day of bargaining was January 17, and the CCSF Local 21 Bargaining Team was ready to go with a presentation on central priorities, and a clear message about respect.

At the 11th hour, a Tentative Agreement for a 3-year contract extension was reached in Contra Costa County. For years, County workers have seen their wage increases eaten up by out-of-control healthcare premium increases that made already unaffordable healthcare costs worse. The County ranks last in public employee healthcare costs in the Bay Area, with family premium costs that were set to rise to $947 per month on the Kaiser plan in 2019.

Local 21 members scored major victories in the November elections. Across the Bay Area, Local 21 candidates and ballot measure won in over 85% of the races where our union made an endorsement.