09/11/2025
September 9th, 2025, over 75 AFSCME brothers and sisters stood shoulder to shoulder at the MWD Personnel Committee and Board meeting. Together, we raised our voices for what truly matters: the safety of one another, violation of members civil rights by ordering they have blood drawn, respecting landlord/tenant laws, and the future of our work.
More than 25 of your fellow members spoke in person and by phone with courage and conviction, making it clear to Executive Leadership, the MWD Board, and the public that we will not be ignored, mocked, or stonewalled. We told them directly: enough is enough! It is these members that attended and spoke that made the difference and we thank each and every single one of you!
🚫No more gambling with our safety.
🚫No more delays on our contractual reopeners.
🚫No more disrespect for the work we do that sustains 19 million lives every single day.
Yesterday, we proved something powerful: when we act together, we cannot be dismissed. Because of each member that attended, spoke, and stood in solidarity, the District has responded with commitments to address our concerns and return to the bargaining table in a collaborative manner to complete the re-openers and remove the divisive language from the rental agreement. We appreciate General Manager Upadhyay’s commitment and we look forward to see the commitments in action.
But this was only the first wave and we need to stand ready for future actions if necessary We already know CalPERS has warned of rising insurance premiums. Members have reported coverage drops and lapses. And next year, our full contract negotiations begin. Yesterday’s action gave us momentum.
What we do next will determine whether we win lasting protections, fair pay, and respect. Together, we are still at the table in a smaller but very powerful fashion, the Class Comp study. Together, they are building momentum toward a stronger future.
Here’s how we keep building strength:
• 💚Wear your AFSCME green shirt or jacket every Tuesday to show solidarity.
• 👀Stay engaged. Come observe negotiations when they begin. Witness the process, support your coworkers, and hold leadership accountable.
• 🔗 Organize. Make sure every team, every floor, every shift is at 100% AFSCME membership. Our power is strongest when we stand as one.
• 🗣️Speak up. If something doesn’t seem right, please reach out and share your experience and concerns so that we can work together and address them.
• ✊Stand Together. Whether in Class Comp focus groups, or negotiations—add your voice to our collective power by sharing your experiences.
💥This is our moment. Yesterday was proof of what solidarity can do—but it was only the beginning. Together in solidarity , we will shape the future of our work, our livelihoods, and our families.
Our Union will stand strong and we won’t backing down. And neither should you.
💚 AFSCME Local 1902 Team💚
AFSCME Members stand in solidarity for our Constitutional and Civil Rights.
