“It’s time to talk with your co-workers,” says LAUSD Building Engineer Conrado Guerrero

Dear SEIU Local 99 Member,

The more I think about our upcoming contract negotiations with LAUSD, the more I’m thankful for union members like you who understand how important it is that we stick together. The District knows if we’re members or not, and it has a huge impact at the bargaining table when we’re UNION STRONG.

You’ve already taken the first step with your recent commitment to speak with your co-workers.

It’s easy to get started.

The first person to speak with is your Steward or the active union member at your worksite. (Click here if you’re not sure who that is.) Go introduce yourself and let them know you want to help spread the word about what we’re up against as we get ready to bargain our next contract.

Your Steward or worksite leader will suggest a short list of your co-workers for you to talk to. Make arrangements with each one on your list to have a 5-minute conversation during your break or before or after work. Let them know it’s about our upcoming contract fight.

Here are some ideas to cover when you have that talk: We know negotiations are going to be tough.The District is already threatening to lay-off workers, reduce hours and start charging employees 10% of our health care premiums. On top of that, union members are facing attacks from anti-worker groups funded by billionaire corporate bosses who want to weaken unions.They don’t like it when we have a say in our pay, benefits and working conditions. So these anti-worker groups are trying to divide us (and conquer us) with tricky promises that we can get the same benefits and representation for less—or even free—and that opting out of our union will save us money and we will lose nothing. We know that’s not true. It will weaken our bargaining power and, ultimately, silence us. Without our united strength in numbers, we won’t have the power to fight for more wage increases and job protections.…and we could lose everything we’ve already won through our union like wage increases, healthcare coverage, protections against unfair firings, defense against discrimination and harassment on the job, and our voice to advocate for improved programs and services. Many of us here at our school have made a commitment to stand UNION STRONG as we get closer to negotiations.Will you sign the pledge?

I’m excited about these conversations. It’s a great way to start working together to improve our jobs and schools.

Email me back and let me know how your conversations go!

In a few months, we can continue these conversations as we brainstorm together on what we’d like to see in our next contract!

In solidarity,

Conrado Guerrero Vice President, SEIU Local 99 LAUSD Building Engineer