Wrapping Up a  Summer of Solidarity and Successful Events 

 It seems like in the blink of an eye summer is suddenly over. 

On August 8, we joined our striking brothers and sisters of SEIU in solidarity on the streets of downtown Los Angeles.  It was an amazing show of force and unity.   

Together with Vice President Adda Murillo and Recording Secretary Cheryl Evans, I participated in a food drive hosted by the law firm of Ford & Wallach on Aug. 19.  From 9 a.m. to noon we handed out boxes of food, dry goods and cleaning products. What an incredibly humbling experience. The looks of relief and gratitude as we placed items in people’s vehicles was so rewarding. Several of those in our lines were folks currently on strike. I am looking into having a food drive at the AFSCME offices in Vernon, hopefully sometime in November. Please keep an eye on your email for further information. We will need approximately 20 volunteers to assist.  We would love to have you participate. 

Your union hosted its second member appreciation event at the AFSCME offices in Vernon. We welcomed approximately 25 members to our first Paint & Sip activity. Food and wine were provided as our instructor guided us through the process. We have some fantastic artists. It was a great evening, and we really do hope you can join our next one…and there will be a next one. 

We have begun coalition bargaining with the city. I vow to keep you all posted as things progress.  

Please email me or any other board member if you’d like to have us visit your worksite. What we do, we do for YOU!  

On a personal note, I would like to take a moment to thank our long-standing AFSCME Local 3090 member and Central Area Coordinator Monica Delatorre.  Monica is retiring after more than 27 years of service. I always enjoyed participating in new employee orientations with Monica. She lit up the room. She had a way of conveying the many benefits of being a union member and was such a huge advocate for her co-workers and other 3090 members. Thank you, Monica.  I will miss you, your infectious laugh and your positive attitude. I wish you the very best in your next chapter.  

In Unity and Solidarity, 

Larry Gates
President
#Mighty3090