Redoubling Our Efforts to Fight For Working People In California.
We are living in a critical moment in our nation’s history. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have lost their lives due to a global pandemic, the likes of which we have never seen. Millions of workers are unemployed and are struggling to pay their bills, feed their children, and keep a roof over their heads. We continue to see demonstrations of racism at the highest levels of government and the continued mistreatment of people of color. Now, more than ever, we are in need of bold elected leaders that have the courage to fight for working people. Unfortunately, it is sad to say, that in the last few days, our Governor here in the State of California chose not to put workers first by vetoing a series of bills that were on his desk that would have helped to protect working families and create more equity in our society.
AB 3216 was vetoed, which would have protected the jobs of thousands of Latina/o hospitality and janitorial workers that have worked decades at their jobs, in our state who have been devastated by the collapse of their industries due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, AB 826 (emergency food assistance to immigrants) and SB 1257 (workplace safety protections for domestic workers) were vetoed. Before the pandemic, working families, especially those in communities of color were already struggling. Now, they are fighting for survival, and the vetoing of these bills will only exacerbate the suffering that is already happening in our communities.
These policies were passed with the collective support of the California State Senate and the State Assembly, with only one last step required to become law. A simple flick of the wrist would have sent a strong message to working families in our state that their government cares for them. Yet, we see the Governor side with powerful corporate interests instead of fighting for the common good and protecting those in most need.
AB 331 was also vetoed, which would have required an ethnic studies course for high school students seeking to graduate. As the flames of racial hatred continue to be fanned throughout the country, we need leadership that condemns racism and takes steps to ensure a more equitable society where we respect one another regardless of our color or creed. It is important for more students to have access to ethnic studies courses in order to develop critical thinking skills and learn from our history in order to heal and progress as a nation.
While the Governor’s actions are disappointing, we ask that he understand and put himself in the shoes of an everyday worker who will be negatively impacted by these decisions. Working people in California deserve dignity from not only the companies that employ them but also from a government that was created to defend all people, including the working class.
On that note, it is critical that the Governor join working families in vigorously advocating against Prop 22. Prop 22 allows multi-billion-dollar gig corporations to strip workers of their right to make a decent living and to safe and healthy working conditions by denying them protections like minimum wage, paid sick leave, workers compensation, unemployment benefits, social security, and Medicare.
Working people are the backbone of democracy in our state. As we approach election day, we must make our voices heard and continue organizing to empower our communities and hold elected officials accountable when they don’t support the people that put them in office. Leadership is judged most acutely in times of crisis when workers need and deserve leaders who protect them. We must redouble our efforts at the polls and on the streets to fight for working people across the state and we ask that the Governor support vital propositions on the ballot that will support working families and create more equity in our state.
