Statement by SEIU 721 President Bob Schoonover on Safety Threats at Olive View Medical Center and Ventura County Courthouse

 

“Today’s lock-down at the Olive View Medical Center in Sylmar due to the threat of an active shooter came on the heels of a bomb threat at the Ventura County Courthouse yesterday. Thankfully, in both cases, the threats were empty and no one was harmed.

“But until these determinations were made, the threats were very real both for the employees – who are members of SEIU 721 – and the public they serve. These incidents serve as vivid reminders of the risks that come with the work that we do. Our members in Sylmar and Ventura County were fortunate – but our fellow Brothers and Sisters in San Bernardino were not so lucky when tragedy struck their worksite almost two years ago. It’s at times like these when we are reminded of the things that truly matter: Our families, our friends, and the colleagues we share our life experiences with.

“And it’s also a reminder of the value of our union. Many of our fellow SEIU 721 members put their personal safety at risk just by coming to work each day. Top management at municipalities across Southern California often forget this fact – but we never do.

“Whether we’re negotiating for fair wages, creating safety committees or fighting for adequate workplace safety conditions, SEIU 721 will always be in your corner. If you or any of your fellow SEIU 721 Brothers and Sisters have questions about what our union provides for you – or if perhaps you are in need of counseling or other resources to help deal with recent events – please do not hesitate to contact Member Connection at (877) 721-4YOU. This hotline is a valuable resource specifically created for our 95,000-strong membership.

“Remember: Every single one of you is appreciated by our union and we will always fight hard to keep everyone safe.”

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CONTACT:

Roxane Marquez, roxane.marquez@seiu721.org, (213) 705-1078

 

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