1000 Strong Coalition Will Address Decision by LA Board of Public Works Around Workforce Equity Pilot Program
Coalition press conference to respond to whether promises of economic justice for Black workers by the City of Los Angeles are being carried through.
Los Angeles, CA — On Friday, February 26, 2021, the 1000 Strong Coalition (Los Angeles Black Worker Center, SEIU Local 721, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, UCLA Labor Center, and AFSCME District Council 36) will hold a press conference at the steps of Los Angeles City Hall to respond to the decision by the Los Angeles Board of Public Works on a motion to move forward with a “Workforce Equity Demonstration” pilot program, to be introduced during their bi-weekly meeting.
Organizers have called on the City of Los Angeles, its departments, and Mayor Eric Garcetti to stand true to their word to address economic injustice and inequity in Los Angeles by investing in solutions that remove systemic barriers and open doorways of opportunity for Black workers. 1000 Strong is standing prepared to work with local leaders in the pursuit of actualizing equity, making the outcome of this decision highly determinative of the coalition’s next steps.
What: Press conference responding to LA Board of Public Works’ decision on equitable
Workforce development pilot program.
Who: 1000 Strong coalition, along with Black workers and movement allies.
When: Friday, February 26, 2021 at 2:30 PM (Estimated time of vote).
Meeting begins 1:30 PM; press conference program will immediately follow decision.
Where: Los Angeles City Hall (200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012)
Program will be held at the South steps. (On 1st Street between Spring St. and Main St.)
Speakers:
- Emcee: Janel Bailey, Co-Executive Director, LA Black Worker Center
- Sherri Bell, Public Sector Worker, LA Black Worker Center Member
- Bonnie Collier, Worker Impacted by COVID-19 Crisis, LA Black Worker Center Member
- Akili, Organizer, Black Lives Matter LA
- Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Program Director – Center for the Advancement of Racial Equity, UCLA Labor Center
- Simboa Wright, Public Sector Worker, SEIU Local 721
- Ron Herrera, President, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor
- Greg Good, President, LA City Board of Public Works
Visuals:
- Backdrop of LA City Hall (South Steps)
- Speakers at podium with 1000 Strong placard
- Organizers holding signs
- Banner
If passed, the Board will take steps forward to proactively ensure economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is inclusive of Black workers, by forming the foundational framework and plan of action for a pilot program demonstrating equitable workforce development.
Labor rights issues are civil rights issues, and conversations surrounding economic recovery in Los Angeles by our legislators and decision-makers must include Black voices and address the needs of marginalized communities in order to repair generational harms, heal Black futures, and stand true to promises of equitable prosperity.
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About 1000 Strong
1000 Strong is the campaign coalition of labor unions and community organizations on a mission to create long-lasting change in the Black community: Los Angeles Black Worker Center, SEIU Local 721, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, UCLA Labor Center, and AFSCME District Council 36. We believe the best way to combat economic injustice is to ensure there is equitable economic recovery in Los Angeles from the current crisis – one that has disproportionately impacted Black communities. For centuries, Black workers have failed
to earn a fair return on their labor investments, and to that we say, no more. We are well-prepared to advance our civil rights efforts to secure labor and economic equity, now.
1000 Strong is not simply a solution, it is overdue. More information at 1000strongla.org
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Media Contact (On-Site)
Scarlett Ying, Communications Associate, LA County Federation of Labor
Cell: (323) 719-1874, scarlett@thelafed.org
Media Contact (Follow-Up)
Alexis Taylor, Communications Coordinator, LA Black Worker Center
Cell: (323) 300-4299, ataylor@lablackworkercenter.org
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