Dear SEIU Local 99 Members and Friends,
This has been by far one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make. But after much thought I have decided to leave my position as Executive Director of SEIU Local 99 to immediately work to elect pro-worker legislators in the state senate. I believe these efforts will once again gain the 2/3 majority in the state senate for incoming President Pro Tem, Kevin de Leon and build a stronger movement for good jobs, quality schools, and a better future for Local 99 members and all working families.
For the last four years I have been proud to stand alongside the hard working members of SEIU Local 99 as we fought to beat back furloughs, prevent layoffs, implement a fair process for LCFF, communicate more to all of our members, keep breakfast in our children’s classrooms, organize new workers into our union, introduce legislation such as the right for unemployment insurance for classified employees and the ability of in home childcare providers to have a collective voice.
We’ve worked hard and we’ve made some real gains – new funding is finally coming into our schools, we’ve had a strong start to our fight to win summer unemployment insurance benefits for school workers, and thousands of child care providers are uniting with Local 99 to win a voice for quality child care. And, right now, we’re engaged in one of our most important fights as we negotiate a contract with LAUSD to lift thousands of workers out of poverty. The fight for 15 is part of a larger national movement to lift up all of the 99% and we are helping to lead the way in that fight.
For many of you who know me, you know that I have devoted my entire career of over 25 years to making sure that every day Americans have a voice in municipal government, at the school board, the halls of the legislature, the United State Congress, and even the White House. This is why I feel it is time for me to turn the page and, with a heavy heart, have decided to leave my position with SEIU Local 99.
But even as I take on a new challenge, Local 99 members will not be far from my heart and my work. I am confident that through my work to elect pro-worker legislators, I will be able to continue to support the members of Local 99 and ensure that the Legislature takes on a leadership role in passing laws that work for working people.
Working at Local 99 has truly been one of the most rewarding opportunities of my life. I am grateful for all I have learned and thankful for the many union members and staff and friends of our movement who have shared your experiences and struggles and commitment to this good fight. We have been on this journey together and I am deeply thankful for your support.
Upon my recommendation, Scott Washburn, a dedicated and longtime activist and organizer, was enthusiastically supported by our union’s Executive Board to serve as SEIU Local 99 Interim Executive Director effective July 19.
Going forward, I hope and pray that every single one of you will continue to build our union at every worksite, in our Local and International Union, and in the labor movement everywhere. Together, we will build a movement of education workers into an unstoppable force for our families, for our children’s schools, and our futures. ¡Si Se Puede!
In Solidarity,
Courtni Pugh
