Oakland Workers Form New Union, Citing SEIU 1021’s Political Spending and Lack of Representation

Oakland, California – A significant movement is underway among Oakland city workers who are forming a new union, "Oakland Workers United," in direct response to what they describe as a failure of representation and alleged misuse of union dues by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021. The new group aims to dismantle SEIU 1021, accusing its leadership of prioritizing political deals over member interests.

The discontent stems from long-standing grievances, including a perceived lack of transparency and inadequate support for workers. Al Marshall, a co-founder of Oakland Workers United and former SEIU 1021 president, stated in an interview that the union has "deteriorated" in terms of transparency and respect for members, asserting that "representation is a miss." He highlighted concerns that union dues are being used for political endorsements without member consultation.

"Oakland workers are tired of being pushed around by their union bosses, who they say have failed them. They believe their union dues are being used to make underhanded deals with elected officials. In response, they're forming a new union, vowing to dismantle SEIU 1021‼️" stated Sokhom Mao in a recent tweet.

Timothy Glasper, another co-founder and former SEIU 1021 first vice president, echoed these sentiments, questioning the allocation of funds. He specifically cited SEIU 1021's contribution of $50,000 to former Mayor Sheng Thao's anti-recall campaign, noting that the Oakland chapter's account held only $42,000, and asking, "Where's this money going?" Both Marshall and Glasper expressed frustration over the union's political focus, alleging that decisions are made without member votes, leading to "taxation without representation."

SEIU Local 1021, a large union with nearly 2 million members nationally, has a history of significant political involvement, particularly in left-of-center politics across Northern California. Records indicate SEIU 1021 spent nearly $450,000 in 2017 supporting local progressive candidates and organizations. Critics, including Seneca Scott who was quoted in the initial tweet, argue that such substantial political spending grants unions "outsized influence" in Oakland elections, potentially making elected officials "beholden" to union interests.

The formation of Oakland Workers United follows a legal pathway for decertification under California labor law, requiring a majority of the bargaining unit to sign authorization cards. This process allows for the creation of a new independent, member-led union. City of Fremont workers successfully took a similar step eleven years ago, leaving SEIU 1021 to form their own independent association.

While SEIU 1021 has recently focused on issues like budget cuts and layoffs, with Oakland Chapter President Antoinette Blue accusing the city of contract violations regarding recent layoffs affecting 25 SEIU 1021 members, the new union's founders contend that SEIU 1021 has failed to protect workers. They claim the union has spread misinformation to deter members from joining the new movement, despite workers seeking better representation and a return to a member-led structure.