When we first launched the Campaign for a Secure Future in 2015, we had three goals in mind: greater political power, expanded community presence, and increased member leadership. We’ve come a long way, and our historic San Jose City Council policy win marks a giant step forward in our efforts.

The groundbreaking part of the policy is that contractors must pay prevailing wage on some private development that has taxpayer subsidies. This is an historic feat. We were also able to strengthen union jobs on public development so that contractors not only have to pay prevailing wage, but provide union benefits and hire from the hall which creates a level playing field. 

Finally, Mayor Liccardo added that public jobs should be decided by best value, not lowest cost, and we all know that union labor brings unparalleled value in getting the job done right.

This victory would not have been possible without the hard work of members and community allies. When the Council was dragging its feet, we took matters into our own hands and started collecting signatures to put a similar policy on the ballot. We knew that polls drew 75% voter support, and the Mayor knew too. That brought everyone to the table to work out a compromise agreement that everyone is satisfied with.

This policy allows us to expand our union market share. More importantly, it allows people in the trades to have decent wages and benefits so that we can raise our families with dignity, afford medical care, and save for a secure retirement.

Moving forward, we can now focus on other South Bay cities. San Jose set the standard, and now other cities must follow suit.

Our members showed that when we come together, stay together, and fight together, we win. We must keep up that momentum with the Campaign for a Secure Future. Get involved!