Help raise awareness of the cruel summer classified school workers go through every year. Share this image with your friends and if you are a classified school worker, share why the fight to win unemployment insurance benefits matters to you. Be sure to include the #cruelsummer hashtag in your post.
Click the Facebook or Twitter icon at the bottom or copy and paste http://seiu99.org/2015/04/22/end-the-cruelsummer to your Facebook status or an email.
Economic Roundtable, a public policy research organization, release a reported titled Cruel Summer that highlights the benefits of extending Unemployment Insurance benefits to classified education workers. According to the report, many dedicated classified school workers would be lifted out of poverty and California would benefit from increased sales and tax revenue. You can read the full report by clicking here. Below are some key findings of the Cruel Summer report:
“Many classified employees fall into the category of ‘working poor,’” said Economic Roundtable Senior Researcher Patrick Burns. “Too often they rely on food stamps and other forms of public assistance. The current system falsely assumes a cafeteria worker is just as able to survive without a summer paycheck as a school principal. The State Legislature and Economic Development Department (EDD) can help address this problem by making classified workers eligible for unemployment insurance.”
Classified Education Workers from Across the State Joining the Fight for Summer Unemployment Benefits
SEIU members including Esmeralda Torres, a Special Education Assistant at Los Angeles Unified and Lorraine Bowser, a Nutrition Specialist at San Francisco Unified joined Economic Roundtable during a telephone press conference where report author Patrick Burns discussed some of the report’s key findings.
“I haven’t given up on my dream to return to school,” said Esmeralda Torres, an SEIU Local 99 Member and Special Education Assistant at LAUSD. “I would go back now if we were more financially stable. But every summer we struggle. I wonder every year if I can afford to stay at the job I love. But education is my life. I can’t imagine another job … Every summer, I apply for summer school. Once in a while I’m lucky. If there’s no work for me with the school district, I try the local restaurants and shops. It’s always the same story. No one wants to hire me for such a short time.”
“I’m speaking out today to remind our communities that school workers are dedicated to our schools and students and that we should have access to this very basic safety net that all other workers have,” said Lorraine Bowser, a member of SEIU Local 1021 and a Nutrition Specialist with the San Francisco Unified School District.
Assembly Member Sebastian Ridley Thomas calls this s a fight for “fairness”
Assembly Member Sebastian Ridley Thomas who authored Assembly Bill 399: The Education Workers Summer Relief Act which, if passed, would extend unemployment benefits to classified school workers in the summer, said, “It’s imperative that we ensure education service workers are well regarded and respected. They work with our most precious asset, our children. This bill is a focused attempt for substance and fairness.”
“SEIU is proud to support Assembly Bill 399 which would extend unemployment benefits to classified school workers,” said Max Arias, Executive Director of SEIU Local 99. “We must ensure that school workers have access to unemployment benefits when they need them. This bill is one way we can enable school employees to make their way solidly into the middle class, instead of enduring summer after summer of financial crisis.”
“Dreaming isn’t expensive. It costs the same to dream big as it does to dream small,” Special Education Assistant Esmeralda Torres tells her students.
Esmeralda makes sure her students dream big and embrace challenging subjects. She especially likes teaching algebra. “I love it when a student understands and gets more confident,” she says.
She encouraged her four children to dream big. “Never let money be an obstacle to learning,” she told them. “If you have the desire, God will provide.” And despite financial struggles, all of her children headed to college after high school.
Education is a big deal to Esmeralda. Before she started working for the Los Angeles Unified School District, she volunteered in the classroom when her children went through LAUSD schools. She loves being in the classroom. She was a teacher in Mexico. Here in the U.S., she has completed 63 units toward her teaching degree. She “dreams big” about being a teacher again one day.
Like 284,000 dedicated school workers in California working in mostly low-wage classified positions, Esmeralda is denied access to unemployment insurance during the summer months. The financial instability this causes her family makes her wonder every year if she can afford to stay at the job she loves.
Esmeralda applies for summer school every summer. Once in a while she’s lucky. If there’s no work for her with the school district, she tries local restaurants and shops. It’s always the same story. No one wants to hire her for such a short time. The family borrows money and tries to hang on to their home until September.
The median income for California paraprofessionals like Esmeralda is $14,446. Thousands of these families have no health insurance. Families like Esmeralda’s are especially vulnerable to any interruption in pay. Some are even forced to rely on public assistance during the summer months.
“We’ve never been on a family vacation. We can’t even afford to go to the beach because it’s $10 just to park.”
Education is Esmeralda’s life. She can’t imagine another job. Since she was a girl, school was central. Her parents couldn’t afford school supplies, so she worked at a grocery after school to earn money for paper and colored pencils. She got straight As, but stayed after school anyway to do extra school work to impress her teachers. And as a school employee, she’s inspired and encouraged hundreds of children.
“If we were more financially stable, I would go back to school and become a teacher,” Esmeralda says. She says it’s her life’s mission to raise successful children. “The middle school children I work with every day ask me why I care about them so much. I tell them because one day you will be my doctor, my nurse or the police officer who pulls me over. ‘Please don’t give me a ticket!’ I tease them.”
Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (District 58) has introduced the Summer Relief for School Workers Act (Assembly Bill 2197) which would allow school workers to access Unemployment Insurance. According to the Economic Roundtable, legislation like this would bring an additional $187.3 million in increased sales for California businesses and $12.1 million more in state and local tax revenue.
LAUSD Bus Driver Makebia Flanagan testifies before the California Assembly Insurance Committee on April 22.
View the full hearing here.
Update on AB399: bill for summer unemployment benefits for school workers
While AB399 did not make it out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, we can be proud of the work we did this year which informed more legislators and our communities about the need to provide a safety net of unemployment benefits for dedicated school workers. Every time we speak out, we move our fight forward. We’ll continue to press for legislation even as we expand our fight for summer relief. Here’s a review of our legislative efforts this year:
On February 18, 2015 Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas introduced Assembly Bill 399, the Education Workers Summer Relief Act. It called for changes to current law to allow dedicated school workers to receive unemployment insurance benefits in the summer months when work is not available. Click here to read our press release.
On April 22, the Summer Unemployment Insurance Bill got past the first step in the legislative process when the California Assembly Insurance Committee voted to approve the bill by a vote of 7-2. Before voting, legislators on the Assembly Insurance Committee heard from SEIU Local 99 Member Makebia Flanagan. “I came to Sacramento to ask you to support Assembly Bill 399 so that hardworking school employees like me can support our families during the summer when jobs are scarce,” she told the Assembly Insurance Committee. Click on the photo above to view her full testimony.
| Listen (in Spanish) to Special Ed Assistant Esmeralda Torres on KPFK Radio on why she is fighting for Summer Unemployment Insurance for school workers. |
New report shows how summer unemployment benefits will help California’s economy On April 21, Assembly Bill 399 got a boost from a new report titled “Cruel Summer” that was released by the Economic Roundtable. The report shows how extending unemployment benefits to classified school workers will bring additional wealth to California in increased sales and taxes. Click here to read more.
Click here to read coverage on Cruel Summer from LA School Report.
Click here to read coverage in La Opinion newspaper.
SEIU 99 Members Spoke Out in Sacramento. On April 28-29, 2015 nearly 100 SEIU Local 99 members took the Midnight Ride to Sacramento to talk directly to legislators about the need for summer unemployment benefits for school workers. Click here to read more about the trip and view photos of the exciting day.
Even as we continue to push for legislation to allow school workers to receive unemployment insurance benefits in the summer, we are moving forward in our fight for summer school. And as we fight for long-term solutions, we will continue to seek out resources to provide SEIU Local 99 members with some immediate support during the summer months. Our Summer Relief Resource Fair held on June 10, 2015 was such a great success that we will continue to look for resources and programs to provide SEIU Local 99 members with relief in the summer. And we will continue to push forward to expand summer school. Let’s stand strong – together!
School employees in California are the only workers who are denied the opportunity to receive unemployment insurance benefits in the summer months when work is not available. It’s a great injustice that our dedication to the children of California means instability and uncertainty for our own families.
Join us as we travel to Sacramento to urge our legislators to vote Yes on AB615, which will give us the opportunity to be treated just like every other worker in California. This legislation will ensure that dedicated workers like us can support our families during the summer months while continuing to provide quality services to students during the school year.
The Details
| Pick-up Time and Location Options | |
| First pick-up 10 – 11 pm Crenshaw Station 11901 S. Crenshaw Blvd. Hawthorne, CA 90303 |
Second pick-up 11:45 pm – 12:30 am Balboa Station 6338 Balboa Blvd. Encino, CA 91406 |
Please call Caroline Mello at (213) 387-8393, ext. 177 to register or if you have any questions.
NOTE: Buses are currently full, but we encourage you to call to be placed on a waiting list.
SEIU California is endorsing Gavin Newsom as California’s next governor. The endorsement was announced after SEIU California members from across the state, including SEIU Local 99 members, participated in the union’s One Voice Town Hall, where members met with the candidates, asked their questions, and then made their selection. As part of the One Voice Town Hall process, each SEIU Local casts one vote for the candidate they select and the overall vote winner is recommended for endorsement.
As SEIU Local 99 members we know our work is not only to help elect the next Governor, but also to continue to hold him accountable on the issues we care about. Throughout the campaign season and through his election, we will work to ensure that Gavin Newsom understands the importance of supporting summer unemployment relief for school workers and collective bargaining rights for child care providers.
“I’m honored to have earned the endorsement of the 700,000 working people of SEIU California and proud to share their vision for a strong, diverse, dynamic and just California that can only be achieved when working people have the power that comes from joining together in their unions,” said Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. “The key to accomplishing economic equity is ensuring more working people have the power and the right to organize. SEIU members are defending and advancing California’s values on the most crucial issues facing our state — health care, home care, criminal justice, early education to higher education, and respect for every person’s hard work, regardless of immigration status. Every day, these hard-working women and men are showing our state how a collective voice makes a difference and moves us closer to the society we aim for. As California’s next Governor, I will be proud to stand with SEIU members to create a California that respects workers’ voices and delivers on the promise of opportunity for all.”
What is collective bargaining?
“Collective bargaining” simply means that a group of union members, our Bargaining Team, sits down with management to negotiate our union contract with the employer—including our pay, benefits, hours, holidays, sick leave, staffing levels, seniority, safety, supplies and other working conditions. Most union contracts provide far more protections than state and federal laws. For example, we are often able to negotiate more generous leave time and much better and safer working conditions. Also, in most worksites without a union contract, workers have “at will employment.” That means they are there “at the will” of their employer and they can be fired at any time, for any reason—or no reason at all. Most of us have much stronger job protections in our contracts. Through collective bargaining, we have been able to set the rules for discipline and termination. In every contract, we can continue to make improvements. Every time we come together to negotiate a contract we build on the gains we’ve already made. Collective bargaining can’t solve all the problems at our workplaces, but it’s the only real way that workers can have any say in our jobs. It’s a basic right and must be defended.
Read more about the collective bargaining process here.
What exactly is a union?
A union is a group of employees united to make positive changes where they work and in their community. Through its strength in numbers, a union provides a way for its members to take unified action to improve their jobs and protect the quality of the services they provide. As one Local 99 member put it, if we walked up to the Beaudry Building all by ourselves and demanded a change, chances are they wouldn’t listen. But united, we win changes. Unions provide job security, protect dignity and give those of us on the front lines a say in our wages, benefits and working conditions. Unions help set industry standards for skill levels, staffing ratios and quality of life for workers. Union-negotiated wages and benefits are generally superior to what non-union workers receive. Unions represent workers in contract negotiations, recruit new members and engage in political action when necessary to improve working conditions. Union members also work to establish laws at the national, state and local level to improve job conditions for all workers, whether they’re in a union or not. The 8-hour work day, family leave, whistleblower protection laws and overtime pay are examples of positive changes won by unions that affect everyone.
What is SEIU?
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) unites 2 million diverse members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. SEIU is the largest healthcare union, the largest property services union and the second largest public services union. We believe in and will fight for a just society where all workers are valued and all people are respected, where all families and communities thrive and where we leave a better and more equal world for generations to come.
What is Local 99?
Local 99/Education Workers United is a local affiliate of SEIU, which represents nearly 45,000 Southern California education workers in public and non-public organizations in early care and education, K-12, and community college levels. SEIU Local 99 members are: Teacher’s Assistants, Playground Workers, Special Education Assistants, Bus Drivers, Gardeners, Custodians, Cafeteria Workers, Maintenance Workers, Family Service Workers, Family Child Care Providers, and others working in schools, colleges, and administrative offices throughout Southern California. Click here to learn more.
How did our union form?
School custodians working at the Los Angeles Unified School District started meeting together in the mid-1940s. Despite Los Angeles’ reputation as being strongly anti-labor, Local 99 is founded on January 19, 1949. We soon became part of the Building Service Employees International Union (now SEIU). We fought for better wages and working conditions, regular hours, the elimination of split shifts, job safety, seniority, health and retirement benefits, and protecting workers’ hours. Over the years more LAUSD workers formed their unions with Local 99. We have since grown to represent classified employees in other public school districts and community colleges. Early care and education workers have also formed their union with Local 99. Most recently, family child care providers formed their union with us.
Who do I contact if I’m having problems with my boss or a co-worker?
Our Union Stewards are the first people we can seek out if we have issues at work. Stewards are our co-workers who serve as union representatives at our worksites. To find the Steward at your worksite click here. You may also contact your SEIU Local 99 Organizer by submitting an Online Local 99 Resource Form or by calling the Members Resource Center at 213-637-0296.
Should I file a grievance?
A grievance is a formal complaint we file to resolve disputes with our employer and enforce the terms of our labor union contract. If you think your supervisor has violated our contract, you should talk to your Steward as soon as possible or complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form. We will help you figure out if the contract has been violated. Usually, the first step is for you or your Steward to speak informally with your supervisor and point out the terms of our contract. This can feel like a bold step, but it’s important to remember that our contract isn’t worth much if we don’t enforce its terms.
An example of a contract violation leading to a union grievance might be a supervisor who always gives overtime assignments to a favorite staff member even though the contract states that overtime assignments must first be offered to members with the greatest seniority. Sometimes a group of employees may file a grievance together.
Remember that not all workplace complaints call for filing grievances; only violations of our labor union contract are grievable. There are many ways to use our union strength to approach other problems.
What do I do if my supervisor asks to speak with me?
One of the most powerful rights we have as union members is the right to have a union representative with us when our supervisor wants to speak with us and the conversation may lead to the discipline. These are called our “Weingarten Rights.”
If you are called into a meeting, follow these steps:
“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request that my union organizer, officer, or steward be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any question. This is my right under a U.S. Supreme Court decision called Weingarten.
I have been scheduled for a disciplinary meeting. What are my rights?
You have the right to have a Union representative join you at these disciplinary meetings. Contact your Steward . If you do not have a Steward or cannot contact your Union representative, submit an Online Local 99 Resource Form or call (213) 637-0296
How do I join the union?
Click here to fill out a membership application and join today. There really is no other way to get things done at our worksites, in our communities and in our country than to come together with a united voice. By standing together, we have a powerful, unified voice to advocate for fair treatment on the job and changes that benefit employees and students. As we get ready to negotiate our next contract, it’s more important than ever to stand UNION STRONG! Our employer knows exactly how many of us are members. When the District knows we are united, we accomplish a lot! Let’s keep moving forward!
Once you complete the membership application, click here to fill out the pledge to stand strong with our union to protect what we’ve won…and win more!
How can I become a Steward?
If you are interested in becoming a Steward, please be sure you are an SEIU Local 99 member in “good standing”—in other words, you are current in your membership dues and you have signed a membership card (you are not simply an “Agency Fee” payer). Stewards are selected by their co-workers and receive comprehensive training through Local 99’s education and training program. Click here to learn more about becoming a steward.
Where can I find my union contract and other agreements?
Our labor union contract—also called a collective bargaining agreement —is a legally-binding document that guarantees the terms of our employment, including our pay, benefits, hours, holidays, sick leave, staffing levels, seniority and working conditions. It means our employers can’t change the rules or the terms of our employment. Our contracts are established through meaningful negotiations between Local 99 Bargaining Teams (made up of the co-workers we choose to represent us) and our employers. Contracts are approved or ratified through a vote of our members. And they’re defended by the membership—our contract is only strong if we enforce it. If you experience an issue that violates our contract, it’s likely that others are experiencing it, too. It’s important to contact your Steward or Union Organizer as soon as you notice a contract violation. This way, we ensure that the protections in our contract truly protect us and all other employees in our bargaining unit.
Unit B
Includes…
Campus Aide, Early Education Center Aide, Education Aide, Counselor Aide, Health Care Assistant, Interpreter Aide, Sign Language Interpreter, Special Education Assistant, Special Needs Assistant and other Instructional Aides
Unit C
Includes…
Air Filter Technician, Automotive Body Mechanic, Automotive Parts Purchaser, Building Engineer, Building & Grounds Worker, Transportation Routing Assistant, Food Service Worker, Cafeteria Worker, Computer Technologist, Fleets Parts Storekeeper, Food Production Worker, Gardener, Bus Driver, Truck Driver, IT Field Services Technician, School Facilities Attendant, Stock Clerk, and others working in Operations / Support Services
Unit F
Unit G
Includes…
School Supervision Aide, Playground Supervisor, Playground Worker, Part-time Playground Helper, Community Representative
How can I find my salary schedule?
Go to LAUSD’s Classified Salary Schedule http://achieve.lausd.net/page/7275
Where can I find my job Description?
Go to LAUSD’s Class Description Index http://achieve.lausd.net/page/7274
I am being bullied, harassed or discriminated against at work. What can I do?
No one should tolerate this kind of treatment on the job, whether we’re in a union or not. But sometimes, for workers without a union, it can be scary to stand up against aggression from a supervisor or co-worker. But because we have the strength of our union behind us, we can courageously stand up for fair and respectful treatment. Union members have a special responsibility to put an end to any behavior that creates a hostile work environment. The District prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a complaint or anyone who participates in a complaint investigation.
Here are the steps to take first:
If the issue is not resolved as a result of taking these actions, then immediately call your Steward and be prepared to supply copies of your completed Complaint Form and all of your supporting documents. If you do not have a worksite Steward or cannot reach your Union Organizer, submit an Online Local 99 Resource Form.
Learn more about what you can do to stop discrimination on the job by visiting the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.
I believe that my supervisor is “playing favorites” among employees. What can I do?
Sometimes we see our co-workers consistently getting overtime or additional hours. Or perhaps we feel that we get all the tough assignments while our supervisor’s “favorites” never do. This kind of behavior doesn’t necessarily fall under “discrimination” and it might not technically violate our contract, but that doesn’t mean we can’t work to fix it.
Contact your Steward and discuss the issue with them. If you do not have a worksite Steward or cannot reach your Union Organizer, submit an Online Local 99 Resource Form.
My work hours, shift or worksite was changed. What can I do?
The District has the right to change our hours, shift or worksite based on their organizational needs. However, if you feel this change was punitive, a form of harassment or retaliation for union involvement, contact your Steward and discuss the issue with them. If you do not have a worksite Steward or cannot reach your Union Organizer, submit an Online Local 99 Resource Form.
I want to transfer to a different location. What can I do?
You must complete a “Request for Transfer (Change of Work Location)” Form. Submit the form to your current administrator. Per our contracts, the administrator must either approve it or place it on a “deferred approval.” For members in Unit B, there is no time limit for the deferred approval. For members in Unit C, the approval can only be deferred for 6 months. If you have questions, submit an Online Local 99 Resource Form.
There is an error in my paycheck. What should I do?
If you feel like you have been underpaid, immediately discuss the underpayment with your supervisor. If that conversation does not resolve the issue, then it’s time to request an investigation. Here are the steps to take with the District to correct underpayment and other paycheck errors:
If after the investigation has concluded you feel there is still a violation of our contract, contact SEIU Local 99’s Member Resource Center by completing the Online Local 99 Resource Form. Your check stubs and timecard will be needed as proof, so be sure to gather these items.
The District deducted an overpayment from my paycheck. What can I do?
Our SEIU Local 99 contracts establish limits to how the District can remedy an overpayment. For details, please review the contract that covers your job classification:
If you believe our contract has been violated in the way the District remedied overpayment, please immediately notify LAUSD’s Payroll Support Services at (231) 241-2570 or payrollsupport@lausd.net. If you still have questions, please complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.
The summer months are a real struggle for school workers without a paycheck. What are we doing to provide workers with some relief during these difficult months?
The need for economic relief during the summer break period is great and SEIU Local 99 members are addressing this issue in several different ways. We know the real problem is lack of work in the summer. That is why we are working with school districts and community allies to identify ways to expand summer school and other programs that support students and increase jobs. We also continue to look for legislative solutions that can provide school workers with a safety net during the summer break when work is not available. In the past few years, we have introduced bills in Sacramento that would allow unemployed school workers to receive benefits during the summer months. Unfortunately, these bills have not moved out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which assesses the cost of the bill. But Local 99 members are not giving up. We are currently working with SEIU California’s legislative branch to seek new ways to move this legislation forward. And while we work together on these long-term solutions, we are also working with different agencies and organizations to bring together resources and assistance for members in need of help with food, transportation, temporary summer work, and other relief. You can find some resources here.
I pay into the unemployment insurance fund shouldn’t I be able to receive my benefits?
Summer Unemployment Insurance Benefits are provided by the State of California and while school districts pay into a voluntary fund for unemployment, they are not actually the ones who decide on the disbursement of funds or eligibility for unemployment benefits. This is why our fight to change the unemployment insurance law is with the state. At the same time, the fight for increased summer school is with the District. For many SEIU Local 99 members who are hourly employees, spreading pay over a 12 month period is not a feasible option. And most of us depend on our full paycheck every pay period.
I am having a difficult time paying my rent and utilities. Where can I get help?
SEIU Local 99 works in partnership with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor’s Community Services Program, which assists union members in meeting basic needs during difficult financial times. Services such as emergency food, shelter, utilities and rent assistance are available to those who meet eligibility requirements. To learn more, visit our website and complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.
I do not agree with the performance evaluation my supervisor gave me. What can I do?
For those of us in Units B, C and F, our SEIU Local 99 contracts establish a process for challenging our performance evaluations. For details, please review the contract that covers your job classification:
If you still have questions, please complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.
I do not agree with a write-up, conference memo or letter of reprimand I received. What can I do?
For those of us in Units B, C and F, our SEIU Local 99 contracts also establish procedures on discipline. For details, please review the contract that covers your job classification:
If you still have questions, please complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.
What are the District’s policies about making arrangements for a vacation?
For those of us in Units B, C and F, our SEIU Local 99 contracts also establish procedures on vacation requests. For details, please review the contract that covers your job classification:
If you still have questions, please complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.
I would like to take a leave of absence. How do I make those arrangements?
For those of us in Units B, C and F, our SEIU Local 99 contracts allow for us to arrange for leaves of absence for a variety of reasons. Learn more here:
To submit your live request, complete and submit this form to the Workforce Management, Classified Employment Services Branch as instructed on the form.
If you have questions or any difficulty in getting your leave approved, please complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.
I was injured on the job. How do I apply for Workers Compensation?
If we sustain a work related injury/illness, without regard to fault, we are covered by state mandated Workers’ Compensation program. This means that we are eligible for medical attention and pay during our illness or injury.
If you would like to be seen by your own doctor in the event of a work-related injury, you must have already completed and submitted a Predesignation form to be kept in your personnel file at your worksite. SEIU Local 99 recommends turning in this form now, so that it is already on file if you ever need it.
Please carefully review the District’s Workers Compensation web page for more details. If you have questions or any difficulty in getting your Workers Compensation benefits, please contact LAUSD’s Risk Management Insurance Division at (213) 241-3139.
My doctor released me to return to work with some restrictions. My administrator is refusing to accept these restrictions. What can I do?
First personally speak with your administrator to see if s/he is willing to accommodate you. If the issue is not resolved after this conversation, contact LAUSD’s Reasonable Accommodations office. Select the appropriate specialist listed here or email the department at disabilitymanagement@lausd.net.
I would like to work during the summer. How do I apply for ESY (“Extended School Year”)?
For those of us in Unit B, our SEIU Local 99 contract allows for us to apply for Summer Session. Learn more here:
The District establishes the application deadlines every year. Applications are only accepted online—click here.
If you have questions or feel that our contract was not honored when ESY work was assigned, please complete an Online Local 99 Resource Form.
I plan to retire soon. What steps do I need to take?
If you work 4 hours or more per day, your pension will be through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Visit the PERS website at www.calpers.ca.gov or call (888) CalPERS (888-225-7377).
If you work fewer than 4 hours per day, your pension will be through the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS). Visit the PARS website at www.pars.org/agency-search or call (800) 540-6369.
If you have worked in both types of positions, you may have pensions through both PARS and PERS.
**Contact these agencies at least six months prior to your desired retirement date.**
For further questions about your retirement, please contact LAUSD’s Benefits Administration at (213) 241-4262.
How can I contact LAUSD?
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 “I’ve followed Hillary’s career for years. I remember decades ago when she fought for things like access to affordable health care and quality child care. Twenty years ago she wrote a book called It Takes a Village about how we all need to look out for children. And she is still making children her top priority.”—Betty Simmons, Child Care Provider from Colton |
Congressional District 7 — Ami Bera (D)
Congressional District 9 — Jerry McNerney (D)
Congressional District 10 — Michael Eggman (D)
Congressional District 13 — Barbara Lee (D)
Congressional District 17 — Mike Honda (D)
Congressional District 20 — Jimmy Panetta (D)
Congressional District 21 — No Endorsement
Congressional District 24 — Salud Carbajal (D)
Congressional District 25 — Brian Caforio (D)
Congressional District 26 — Julia Brownley (D)
Congressional District 32 — Roger Hernandez (D)
Congressional District 44 — Isadore Hall (D)
Congressional District 46 — Boa Nguyen (D)
Are your registered to vote?
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Prop 53: No Blank Checks Initiative — OPPOSE
Prop 55: California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016 — SUPPORT
Click here to read more about this important ballot initiative for our schools!
Prop 56: California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 — SUPPORT
Prop 57: The Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016 — SUPPORT
Prop 58: Multilingual Education Act — SUPPORT
Prop 62: The Justice that Works Act of 2016 — SUPPORT
Prop 63: Safety for All Act of 2016 — SUPPORT
Prop 65: Environmental Fee Protection Act — OPPOSE
Prop 66: Death Penalty Reform and Savings Act of 2016 — OPPOSE
Prop 67: Referendum to Overturn Ban on Single-Use
Plastic Bags — SUPPORT
*If a proposition is not on this list, SEIU has not taken a position on it.
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The state legislators we vote for make important decisions for California on issues that matter to us like access to Summer Unemployment Insurance, funding for education and pay for child care providers. After we elect these leaders, we hold them accountable with our lobby visits, phone calls and petitions—and our work has paid off. Our Summer Unemployment Insurance bill made it past the Assembly into the State Senate. In California’s 2016-17 budget, we continued to successfully fight off any state cuts to K-14 education. And Child Care Providers and other early educators just saw the largest new investment in recent history to early care and education, increasing rates and the number of spaces for children and families.
—Bart Weil, |
Senate District 3 — Mariko Yamada (D)
Senate District 5 — Cathleen Galgiani (D)
Senate District 9 — Nancy Skinner (D) & Sandre Swanson (D)
Senate District 11 — Jane Kim (D)
Senate District 13 — Jerry Hill (D)
Senate District 15 — Jim Beall (D)
Senate District 17 — William Monning (D)
Senate District 19 — Hannah-Beth Jackson (D)
Senate District 21 — Jonathon Ervin (D)
Senate District 25 — Anthony Portantino (D)
Senate District 27 — Henry Stern (D)
Senate District 29 — Josh Newman (D)
Senate District 31 — Richard Roth (D)
Senate District 33 — Ricardo Lara (D)
Senate District 35 — Steven Bradford (D)
Senate District 39 — Toni Atkins (D)
Assembly District 2 — Jim Wood (D)
Assembly District 7 — Kevin McCarty (D)
Assembly District 8 — Ken Cooley (D)
Assembly District 9 — Jim Cooper (D)
Assembly District 10 — Marc Levine (D)
Assembly District 11 — Jim Frazier (D)
Assembly District 14 — Mae Torlakson (D)
Assembly District 15 — Tony Thurmond (D)
Assembly District 16 — Cheryl CookKallio (D)
Assembly District 17 — David Chiu (D)
Assembly District 18 — Rob Bonta (D)
Assembly District 19 — Phil Ting (D)
Assembly District 20 — Bill Quirk (D)
Assembly District 22 — Kevin Mullin (D)
Assembly District 24 — (No Endorsement)
Assembly District 25 — Kansen Chu (D)
Assembly District 27 — Ash Kalra (D)
Assembly District 28 — Evan Low (D)
Assembly District 29 — Mark Stone (D)
Assembly District 30 — (No Endorsement)
Assembly District 31 — Joaquin Arambula (D)
Assembly District 32 — Rudy Salas (D)
Assembly District 37 — Monique Limon (D)
Assembly District 39 — Patty Lopez (D)
Assembly District 41 — Chris Holden (D)
Assembly District 43 — Ardy Kassakian (D)
Assembly District 44 — Jacqui Irwin (D)
Assembly District 45 — Matt Dababneh (D)
Assembly District 46 — Adrin Nazarian (D)
Assembly District 47 — Eloise Gomez Reyes (D)
Assembly District 48 — Blanca Rubio (D)
Assembly District 49 — Ed Chau (D)
Assembly District 50 — Richard Bloom (D)
Assembly District 51 — Jimmy Gomez (D)
Assembly District 52 — Freddie Rodriguez (D)
Assembly District 53 — Miguel Santiago (D)
Assembly District 54 — Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D)
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Assembly District 55 — Gregg Fritchle (D)
Assembly District 56 — Eduardo Garcia (D)
Assembly District 57 — Ian Calderon (D)
Assembly District 58 — Cristina Garcia (D)
Assembly District 59 — Reginald Jones-Sawyer (D)
Assembly District 60 — Eric Linder (R)
Assembly District 61 — Jose Medina (D)
Assembly District 62 — Autumn Burke (D)
Assembly District 63 — Anthony Rendon (D)
Assembly District 64 — Mike Gipson (D)
Assembly District 65 — Sharon QuirkSilva (D)
Assembly District 66 — Al Muratsuchi (D)
Assembly District 70 — Patrick O’Donnell (D)
Assembly District 78 — Todd Gloria (D)
Assembly District 79 — Shirley Weber (D)
Assembly District 80 — Lorena Gonzalez (D)
“I don’t want everybody to vote…our leverage quite candidly goes up as the voting populace goes down.”
In 1980, these actual words came out of the mouth of one of the founders of the super right-wing Heritage Foundation and ALEC.
Yup, what he’s actually saying is all of us should stay home and keep quiet so that the corporations and fat cat Wall Street types can control everything.
And those guys never miss an election. That’s why it’s so important that we don’t ever miss an election either. The state legislators we vote for make important decisions for California on issues that matter to us like access to Summer Unemployment Insurance, funding for education and pay for child care providers.
After a rigorous, months-long member engagement process, SEIU endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. She is a leader who will stand up for working people who are building a movement to secure a better future for our families. Click here to read more.
In additional to the Presidential primary election, we’ll also be voting for state legislators who make important decisions about access to Summer Unemployment Insurance for school workers and state budget decisions that affect all of the work that we do.
TODAY IS LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE |
“I don’t want everybody to vote…our leverage quite candidly goes up as the voting populace goes down.”
In 1980, these actual words came out of the mouth of one of the founders of the super right-wing Heritage Foundation and ALEC.
Yup, what he’s actually saying is all of us should stay home and keep quiet so that the corporations and fat cat Wall Street types can control everything.
And those guys never miss an election. That’s why it’s so important that we don’t ever miss an election either. The state legislators we vote for make important decisions for California on issues that matter to us like access to Summer Unemployment Insurance, funding for education and pay for child care providers.
There’s still time to register online. Click here to register to today.
When asked if you want to “Vote by Mail in All Elections”…be sure to answer “YES!” This way you won’t ever miss an election again!
Click here for SEIU members’ legislative primary endorsements |
Click here to learn more about Hillary for President |
Click here to find your Polling Place |
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