County Worksites on Strike
Beginning at 7 AM, SEIU 1021 members at the following departments will be on strike:
San Joaquin General Hospital and Hospital Clinics
500 Hospital Road, French Camp, CA
Behavioral Health Services and Outlying Clinics
1414 California St. Stockton, CA
Human Services Agency
102 S. San Joaquin and 333 E. Washington St. Stockton, CA
Department of Child Support Services
Report to 102 S. San Joaquin St., Stockton
Substance Abuse Services
Report to either 500 Hospital Rd, French Camp or 1212/1414 California, Stockton
*For further information you can call 209-461-7749.
A message to our community,
County workers don't want to strike—we want to be at work providing lifesaving care and services to people like you. But across our County, mental health, behavioral & social services, the County Hospital and beyond are all dangerously understaffed. Working people and families are struggling while the Board of Supervisors, along with with County Administrator Monica Nino, refuse to invest in staffing and resources. Meanwhile, the County's general fund has doubled since 2011 and currently has close to $120 million in unassigned dollars.
Our San Joaquin community deserves better. Stand with us, the members of SEIU Local 1021, and call on the Board of Supervisors to do their jobs by addressing this ballooning crisis facing our County.
How can you help?
Call the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors at (209) 468-3113.
FAQ About Striking
1) Why are we going on strike?
We have been negotiating in good faith for months, ready to reach an agreement that invests in crucial public services, is fair to workers, and is sustainable for the County. Our employer has not shown us the same respect, and the County has committed numerous Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs). We voted overwhelmingly to send a strong message to the County that we will strike if our bargaining team finds we cannot get to an agreement.
2) What is an Unfair Labor Practice Strike?
An Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) is a violation of labor law. SEIU Local 1021 has filed multiple ULPs against the County for a host of violations. ULP strikes are legal, protected collective actions.
3) Can I be fired or retaliated against for striking?
No. The County may attempt to intimidate employees by suggesting that disciplinary action may be taken against those who choose to strike. This is also a violation of labor law. The law protects all workers, including probationary employees, who are exercising their right to take legal collective action. In an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike, like this one, the employer may not fire or permanently replace striking employees.
4) What will happen if I cross the picket line?
There is no “discipline” for workers who cross the picket line. But you should consider how this will affect your relationships with your coworkers if they are out making sacrifices that will benefit you, while you are making it difficult for them to win. We are asking ALL workers, including temporary and part-time workers, to respect the picket line.
5) Can we just call in sick on the day of the ULP strike or take vacation time?
Besides the fact that management is likely to look suspiciously at a sick day claim on the day of the ULP strike, or that you will not have time to get vacation approval for the day, a strike is not a day off. Every member has a duty to show up and make the picket line strong.
6) When we are on strike, do we lose pay for that time?
The employer will not pay wages while we are out on strike. However, losing one day’s pay is nothing compared to what we stand to lose if we allow the County to continue to disrespect us and our community by negotiating in bad faith.
The Do’s & Don’ts of Picket Lines
It is your constitutional right to picket your employer and pass information during a strike. Your picketing is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment.
Your right to strike, leaflet, and engage in forms of concerted activities as workers are also guaranteed by Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act and other similar laws.
When you are picketing:
· Ask workers who have not yet honored the picket lines to do so. Even if they are not active members of our union, they can refuse to cross the picket line. We will also have membership cards on the line for them to sign up to join our union.
· Ask the public to honor the picket line, as well as those making deliveries.
· Communicate in a courteous manner and thank people for their support. Tell them why you are striking.
· Cooperate with the Sheriff’s Department and Police Officers and follow their instructions. Have Picket Captains and/or SEIU staff introduce themselves to be the point person for any law enforcement questions. If there is a problem, get the officers name and badge number. Alert an SEIU staff member immediately.
· Do not speak with law enforcement or the media, refer them instead to Picket Captains and/or SEIU staff.
· Maintain peaceful & orderly picket lines. Keep moving and cover all entrances and gates.
· Do not use foul or abusive language. Keep calm if others become hostile.
· Do not threaten or physically touch those who cross the picket line.
· Keep the area clean, especially as you leave at the end of the day.
· Do not drink alcohol or abuse substances on the picket line. This is not something you want memorialized on TV or in the newspaper.
· Just like grievances, if there is an incident, get names of witnesses, contact information, and a brief statement.
· Do not interfere with traffic beyond normal pedestrians
· Thank everyone. Picketing is hard work.