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Reflecting on 2021 by SEIU 521 President, Alysia Bonner

As the holiday season continues and 2021 comes to a close, SEIU 521 Chief Elected Officer Riko Mendez, myself, and the entire SEIU 521 Executive Board want to express how grateful we are for you. 2021 was a year filled with moments of hope and celebration, but also of tragedy and heartbreak. Your devotion to the community we serve on the frontlines everyday and commitment to your families helped us get through these difficult and unprecedented times. 

Amidst an ongoing pandemic and recovery – led on all fronts by the services you provide – your collective voices alongside our community partners uplifted working families and contributed to a historic year for labor here in California and across the country. This could not have been possible without you. 

All of the victories across our union this past year demonstrate that we are strongest when we all participate; shaping our future will challenge us to remain united to continue protecting everything we’ve gained. And we’re confident in what lies ahead because in 2021 you made clear that when SEIU 521 members are united and fight together, we win!

2021 Contract Victory Highlights

  • Premium/Essential Worker Pay – SEIU 521 Members across multiple cities, counties, and nonprofits won millions of dollars in total payments as part of contract negotiations including: City of Bakersfield and Coalinga; the Counties of Santa Clara, Fresno, Monterey, Kern, Tulare as well as at Momentum for Health, Natividad Hospital, Fresno Unified and CAP Madera among others.  
  • Historic First State Contract for Child Care Providers – Following two decades long organizing campaign to form a union, the newest Chapter of our union won its first state recognized union contract that includes significant rate increases as well as millions in investments for safety and expansion of child care services. 
  • FIRST 5 Santa Clara County Workers Unionize – Workers at First 5 Santa Clara County filed to join SEIU Local 521; First 5 formally recognized SEIU as the official union representation two months following its petition filing.
  • Juneteenth Holiday Won Across Various Employers
  • Contract Ratifications – 30+ Across Our Local – In addition to premium/essential worker pay victories, we saw significant wins across our Local in various Chapters that include general wage increases, equity re-alignments and employer healthcare contributions, as well as, the establishment of committees to address staffing shortages, workplace safety and professional development. 

Retirement Board Victories

The voices of public worker members across our union saw a rise in representation all across our regions with wins on retirement association boards. Here are the victories members like you helped achieve in our quest to protect our retirement:

  • Ty Inman, Tulare County Member elected to the Tulare County Employees Retirement Association (TCERA)
  • Juan Gonzalez, Kern County Member re-elected to the Kern County Employees Retirement Association (KCERA)
  • Jeanine Adams, County Member elected to the Kern County Employees Retirement Association (KCERA)
  • Katherine O’Malley, San Mateo County Member re-elected to the San Mateo County Employees Retirement Association (SAMCERA)
  • Alysia Bonner, Fresno County Member elected to the Fresno County Employees Retirement Association (FCERA)
  • SEIU 521 Endorsed Candidates Jose Luis Pacheco and David Miller were both elected to serve on the CalPERS Board. 

Not only did we win these critical seats at the local level, in the Spring, our SEIU 521 Local-wide First Vice President and Santa Clara County Member, Mullissa Willette is running to fill a vacancy on the state-wide CalPERS Board! 

In Remembrance of Our SEIU 521 Colleagues

2021 was also a heavy hearted year for our staff and members who experienced loss. With deep love and respect, we honor those that passed away this year while celebrating their life and contributions to our union and labor movement. 

In our continued commitment to fighting for working families, we’re inspired by your bravery and resolve throughout the year. You made 2021 a historic comeback year for organized labor; you positioned the stories of those we serve at center stage through compassion and dignity; and, your unity will be the reason why 2022 will be the best year yet. 

On behalf of your entire SEIU 521 Executive Board and staff, we wish you, your family and loved ones a joyous holiday season.

In unity – ALWAYS!

Alysia Bonner, SEIU 521 Local-wide Elected President and Fresno County Member

Riko Mendez, SEIU 521 Chief Elected Officer (CEO)