Along with record levels of inequality came an unprecedented and powerful response from working people. Throughout 2019, from nurses and fast food workers to factory workers and school employees, we demanded better working conditions and our right to a voice through a union. We rallied, protested, marched and even went on strike to fight for good jobs and the better futures our families deserve.
And those actions resulted in big wins. Together, we’re reshaping our country and demanding a fix for the rigged economy. That’s why we’re celebrating 2019 as the year of the worker. Check out some of the top victories working people have won by coming together to demand better this year.
Security Officers Nationwide Win Living Wages & More
The Worker: Regina McMillian, Security Officer
What She Won: In January, thousands of security officers who protect Kaiser healthcare facilities across the country—in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland and Virginia—won raises of more than $3 per hour, bringing their wages up to a range of $16 to $22 per hour. They also won additional paid sick days and increases in family healthcare coverage.
This was a privilege for Regina McMillian, a security officer in Oakland, California, to help negotiate this contract as part of the bargaining team and raise wages so security officers can pay their bills and take better care of themselves.
Of this huge victory she says: “We had an excellent and diverse bargaining committee of security officers, which I think made us very unique. We were a determined team that stood our ground and thought about the security officers around the country protecting Kaiser facilities. I’m proud of what we won in our union contract."
