OPEIU supports the recommendation that everyone be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 in a just, fair, and equitable manner. Studies show that a safe COVID-19 vaccine will, at a minimum, decrease the number of people experiencing severe effects of the virus and save countless lives. We expect that the impeding full approval by the FDA will increase peoples’ confidence in the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety, and that with FDA approval the number of vaccinated individuals will increase significantly.

We agree that deciding whether to be vaccinated or not is a personal choice and should be defended. Our union will defend those rights for those with medical or religious objections to the extent possible. It is well established legal precedent that vaccine mandates are legal as long as they are not discriminatory. We will not tolerate discrimination and will enforce the guidelines set by the EEOC.

WHEREAS, September 15 through October 15 has been declared as Hispanic Heritage Month in honor of the role that Hispanics have played and continue to play in the labor movement, economic, cultural, and social fabric of our nation. The observation of Hispanic contributions first began in 1968 as ‘Hispanic Heritage Week’ under President Lyndon Johnson. It was later expanded in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to cover the 30-day period from September 15 to October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988 upon adoption of Public Law 100-402;

We wish you and your loved ones a relaxing, rejuvenating and reflective Labor Day. As we look to the past to commemorate the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before us while celebrating this weekend, we must also look to the future.

Right now, historic legislation hangs in the balance in the Senate. The filibuster threatens to stifle progress on workers' rights, voting rights and civil rights despite a majority of the U.S. population supporting these reforms. Without ending the filibuster, we'll never be able to move forward on issues of vital importance to working people.

After the holiday, please consider taking action to urge your senators to abolish the filibuster so important bills like the PRO Act, voting rights legislation and an infrastructure package that puts working people first can come to the Senate floor for a fair vote.

- Team OPEIU 

Millionaire Republicans who want to roll back the clock on California’s worker protections are funneling big money into a campaign to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom. Let me be clear: If they succeed, we’ll lose many of the big gains we made on higher wages, pensions, health and safety, and a lot more.

To protect our contract, wages, and health care, I’m writing to you today to ask that you join me in voting NO on the Recall.

Who is behind this Recall?  It is a national network of very rich anti-union funders who are taking aim at our pensions, wages, health care and voting rights. They have spent millions to put this special election Recall on the ballot.

Why?

Because they couldn’t win in the last election with a union-busting candidate, they put a “special election” on the ballot, which always has a much lower voter turn-out by union members. They want to control California by pulling a fast one on California’s working folks. It ticks me off. I hope it does the same to you, too.