Press Release
For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2014
Contact:
Terry Carter—(213) 700-5617
Los Angeles, CA — The cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, teaching assistants, and other education workers of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 99 have endorsed the following candidates for LAUSD and LACCD boards:
| Los Angeles Unified Board of Education: | Los Angeles Community Colleges Board of Trustees: |
| George McKenna (incumbent)—Dist. 1 | Francesca Vega—Seat 1 |
| Tamar Galatzan (incumbent)—Dist. 3 | Sydney Kamlager—Seat 3 |
| Bennett Kayser (incumbent)—Dist. 5 | Scott Svonkin* (incumbent)—Seat 5 |
| Dr. Richard Vladovic* (incumbent)—Dist. 7 |
Mike Fong — Seat 7 |
“Each one of these candidates understands the critical role cafeteria workers, custodians, teaching assistants, bus drivers, community reps and other education workers play in increasing academic achievement,” said Scott Washburn, SEIU Local 99 Interim Executive Director. “They demonstrate an understanding of the connection between economic and educational justice. As parents of students in their schools and colleges, Local 99 members serve as both workers and consumers. Earning a living wage creates added stability in the home and increases opportunities for academic growth and success.”
Tamar Galatzan has demonstrated a commitment to the children, families and workers of LAUSD; as demonstrated by her support for Breakfast in the Classroom, the LCFF Equity Index, and the adoption of the historic $15 minimum wage for LAUSD employees. Bennett Kayser is a champion for early education, securing funding that will result in expanded educational opportunities for tens of thousands of children and has been a strong voice for living wages. In the past few months, George McKenna has already shown himself to be a willing partner in our efforts to increase opportunities for kids and families. Local 99 members support these candidates and will work diligently to mobilize voters in their districts.
“Local 99 members will work with LAUSD and LACCD Board Members to improve our schools and colleges,” added Washburn. “We look forward to working with them next year as we seek to fully staff schools, restore student services and expand school based social services and immigration programs, which are desperately needed throughout the region.”
LACCD Board Members will soon vote on a new labor contract for the college custodians and others working at our colleges. This agreement includes improvements to wages, safety, supplies and staffing, which will improve students’ learning environments at all nine colleges.
As part of the endorsement process, SEIU members invited all candidates who had not been previously endorsed by Local 99 members to attend a Town Hall event, where members heard from the candidates and then asked each of them specific questions about their policy, labor, and budget priorities. With their endorsements, union members are committing to campaign efforts that will include phone banks and door-to-door voter outreach.
Election Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2015.
*Dr. Richard Vladovic and Scott Svonkin were previously endorsed by Local 99 members and, therefore, did not participate in the Local’s Town Hall process. These previously endorsed incumbents retained their SEIU Local 99 endorsement.
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SEIU Local 99 is a union of nearly 40,000 education workers in K-12 schools, early education centers, and community colleges throughout Southern California, including nearly 35,000 teacher aides, custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers and others providing essential student services at LAUSD. Nearly 50% of SEIU Local 99 members are also parents or guardians of school-aged children.
