Six thousand public service workers represented by Public Employees Union (PEU), Local 1 voted last week to unite with AFSCME. The affiliation will give public workers across eight Northern California counties a stronger voice to improve the vital services they provide their communities every day.
Local 1 Pres. Mike West, a printing services coordinator at Los Medanos Community College, said that he and his co-workers are excited to become part of a larger movement that is fighting to defend families and neighborhoods across the country.
"We don’t do this work for fame and glory. We do it to keep our communities strong,” said West. “Joining AFSCME helps make sure we have the tools we need to advocate quality public services for all.”
PEU Local 1 represents more than 6,000 public service workers in the region, including workers for cities, counties, community colleges, school districts, libraries, courts, Head Start and special districts that provide clean water and other services.
Lynda Middleton has worked as a Head Start teacher in Contra Costa County for 21 years and serves on the Local 1 board of directors. She believes the affiliation with AFSCME will make her union stronger.
“We do the same work; we share the same issues. It makes sense that we stand together in the same union,” said Middleton.