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Bob Schoonover, president of SEIU California State Council, issued a statement in response to the ruling. “Companies like Uber and Lyft spent $225 million in an effort to take away rights from workers in a way that violates California’s Constitution … [t]hey tried to boost their profits by undermining democracy and the state constitution.”

“They tried to boost their profits by undermining democracy and the state Constitution,” said Bob Schoonover, president of SEIU California State Council, in applauding the ruling.

“For two years, drivers have been saying that democracy cannot be bought. And today’s decision shows they were right,” said Bob Schoonover, president of the SEIU California State Council.

Mike Long of SEIU Local 721, which represents public service workers across Southern California issued the following statement.

“We wear a lot of hats around here. Monday I might be a coach. Tuesday I might be a counselor. Tuesday I might be a teacher,” said Mel Bailey, Supervising Deputy Probation Officer and member of SEIU Local 721.

Decenas de trabajadores esenciales protestaron el lunes con la intención de buscar una compensación luego de su ardua entrega durante la pandemia.

Gig workers, meanwhile, are continuing to speak out about the challenges they face – challenges that were underscored this week with the release of research funded by SEIU 721 about the realities of gig work.

Linda Dent, a clerk in the Los Angeles County Tax Collector’s Office, who rose from a steward to become the first woman and first Black president of SEIU 721, passed away on May 31 from pancreatic cancer. She was 68-years-old.

“Frontline workers risked their lives to stop the spread of COVID-19 and with this plan legislators have not only honored their sacrifice but demonstrated they have workers’ backs as we prepare for the next public health crisis — whether it is an earthquake, food borne illness or devastating virus,” said Bob Schoonover, Executive Director of SEIU Local 721 and President of SEIU California.

The council also approved letters of agreement that allow staff in the maintenance association and the Service Employees International Union, Local 721, to cash out vacation time earlier in the year. The SEIU represents employees in facilities, public service, and parks and recreation.