Two of our members joined the Sutter County Democratic Central Committee for a Dinner and Roundtable discussion at the Plumbers Local 228 in Marysville. The Among the Unions represented were Carpenters, Teachers, and Plumbers. The Community College was represented by Juan Delgado, a Board Member, and the President, Tawny Dotson. Also at the meeting was former Yuba City City Council Member, Grace Espindola; Former Mayor, Ricky Samayoa; candidate for City Council, Cruz Mora; and CD1 Congressional Candidate, Rose Penelope Yee. The theme that emerged was Solidarity with and between all Unions, along with community support.
The Dinner was donated by the local Plumbers Union 228.
The Sutter Democrats provided copies of the Democratic Platform on Labor and several cards showing examples of Union support by Democratic Party leaders. They facilitated the meeting, giving a voice to all in attendance.
Italics below are commentary by the author.
The Moderator, Juan Delgado, who is also a member of the Sutter Democratic Central Committee, guided the discussion through many relevant topics. Cruz Mora summarized : “The conversation centered around challenges in education, including safety concerns in juvenile hall facilities, isolation of staff, and lack of monitors. Speakers also discussed the importance of negotiating for better wages and benefits, solidarity, and collective action. They highlighted the need for transparency in job postings, the power of organizing and showing up in numbers, and the impact of automation and outsourcing on workers’ rights. Additionally, speakers emphasized the need for fair wages and benefits for school employees and good schools to attract new residents to Yuba City.”
Union Representatives described their comprehensive apprentice programs, along with continued training available for advancement. Students entering the workforce after high school or Community College are able to earn as they learn. They can complete an apprenticeship in five years, then be able to earn a good living with no student debt. That, plus good wages and benefits that come with union membership, serves as a good recruitment tool. Local unions have no shortage of personnel; the problem comes in finding local work opportunities. The “ask” was for local entities and organizations, such as the Community College, to hire union contractors, who in turn, will hire local union workers for projects. The whole community benefits from investment in apprenticeships and healthcare that unions offer.
Wage theft was identified as an issue that unions have had to deal with, with little to no support from law enforcement or the justice department. Wage theft not only deprives individual workers, but results in tax fraud that deprives the public. The response from Grace Espindola was, “you have to elect the right people”. Enforcement of labor laws and worker’s rights is strongly supported by the Democratic Party, while the Republicans traditionally support Corporations, management, and union busting. Misclassification of workers as independent contractors, in order to avoid benefits and investment in training, is another problem facing the construction industry. This is a practice supported by CD3 Republican, Kiley. Non unionized workers have limited career advancement opportunities and lack benefits. Our Pro-Union Democratic message needs to be reinforced. We need to elect officials to support compliance with labor laws, to enforce contracts, and invest in our communities.
The group was asked how advances in technology might affect their futures, citing an example of a 3D printed house, that could theoretically replace workers. Union Representatives reported that they are embracing technological advances and providing training on newly developed AI methodologies. Teachers echoed that sentiment, saying that learning for educators is always ongoing, as AI and new research is incorporated into the curriculum and instructional strategies.
Workplace safety was also a topic where concerns were expressed. Teachers are facing unsafe conditions in situations, such as those in juvenile hall classrooms, where qualified, trained personnel and monitors are not available to support students with behavioral challenges, and insure the safety of both staff and students. Coordination between the Juvenile Detention Center and the County Office of Education is key. Teachers are at risk of injury when behaviors become violent. This issue is not only about the rights of teachers, but includes the rights of all students to be safe, including the student with behavioral issues. Only staff trained in appropriate containment techniques are equipped to intervene with a student in such a situation. As a Democrat and a former Special Educator, I will say that this problem is not unique to any local bargaining unit, but is pervasive and a result of the underfunding of Federally mandated Special Education. Again, we need to elect the right people.
The Teachers Union is fighting for a fair wage. They have been offered only a cost of living increase, while the Superintendent is receiving automatic increases in salary and bonuses. The Teachers Union, MUTA, needs the power of numbers and support from other unions in the district, as well as community members.
As a show of support for our Marysville teachers, the Yuba Democrats will recruit our members to show up at the June 11th School Board meeting, wearing red T-shirts in solidarity with MUTA.
“WE NEED TO ELECT THE RIGHT PEOPLE”
In Republican dominated Yuba County, it is difficult to find Democrats to run for office. Many races go uncontested. We are reaching out to potential candidates for offices from School Board to State Senate.
As we recruit Democrats to run for office, support for Workers Rights and Unionization is a priority.
We “Look for the Union Label” in all our business dealings.
The Labor Round Table was a productive meeting. Yuba Democrats support this annual event, and thank the Sutter Democrats for inviting us. Thank You to local 228 for the donation of the space and the Food!