Change comes, sometimes against overwhelming odds. But it doesn't happen overnight.
Our union is organizing for the long haul because we know that's the only way to build power for real change. Among other things, we are electing city councilmembers, working to pass Schools & Communities First, and enforcing our contract together now.
This month's bulletin reminds us of some of the wins we are achieving as we continue fighting to fully staff Oakland's public services.
Roberto Costa is featured this month in the new Local 21 series: Champions for our community. His work during our last contract campaign helped ensure that the Rent Adjustment Program (RAP) filled all nine of their vacancies with full-time employees. This has allowed them to more reasonably distribute their increased workload and as a result they can build more meaningful relationships with the residents they serve.
“Housing is a basic necessity. When we resolve issues — by answering questions, by meeting with people in person, by providing hearings — we are helping them deal with that basic necessity. You don’t want people to go homeless, you don’t want people to be pushed out from where they’re living.”
We are working hard in Oakland and across our union to qualify Schools & Communities First for the 2020 ballot. We are talking to our friends, family, coworkers, and the public. These conversations are the building blocks of a movement to reclaim $12 billion annually for our schools and public services.
Councilwoman Nikki Fortunato Bas, who we helped elect in 2018, has recently introduced the Moms 4 Housing Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). TOPA fights displacement and homelessness by giving renters the first right to purchase their home if a landlord sells. It would transfer property ownership to tenants, community land trusts, and nonprofit affordable housing developers. The goal is for tenants to be able to stay in their homes, not just as renters but as homeowners.
We're excited to see politicians backed by our union use their office to make our city work for everyone, not just real estate speculators.
Councilwoman Nikki Fortunato Bas (right) introducing the
Moms 4 Housing Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act.
Engineers and Architects
Thursday, February 6th, 12 - 1pm
250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, 6th Floor Cafe
Administrative and Professionals
Friday, February 7th, 12 - 1pm
City Hall, Hearing Room #3
Supervisors and Managers
Wednesday, February 12th, 12 - 1pm
Downtown City Hall, Hearing Room #3 & Edgewater
