In June, I was arrested while peacefully observing an ICE raid at a garment factory in Los Angeles. I was exercising my First Amendment rights when I was thrown to the ground, tackled and had pepper spray rubbed into my face. The entire incident is on video and the truth is there for everyone to see. The baseless charges brought against me are not just about me, they are meant to intimidate anyone who dares to speak out, organize, or demand justice. I will not be silenced, and you have demonstrated throughout this year that you won’t be silenced either.
Despite the challenges, our members across all four of our divisions, the Security Division, Janitorial Division, Allied Division, and Airports Division, showed extraordinary courage and determination, winning real victories and building power for the future.
Security Division
This year, security officers showed what is possible when workers stand together. We won first contracts for security officers at Burbank Airport and for more than 400 security officers working in the City of San Diego. These were major victories where officers organized together for the first time to win stronger wages, benefits, and protections on the job. We also secured renewed PG&E contracts with significant gains for security officers at Diablo Canyon and in Eureka. These wins reflect years of organizing and the strength of members who refused to accept less than they deserve.
Airports Division
After years of fighting, airport workers at LAX won a historic victory: a living wage ordinance from the City of Los Angeles that would bring wages to $30 an hour by 2028 and significantly improve health care for airport workers. Unfortunately, the City of Los Angeles recently introduced a new motion, under pressure from the airlines, to delay those wage increases until 2030. Union members are organizing to fight back against this shameful attack on working people, and we will win.
At San Francisco International Airport, members who work for the contractor Unifi showed incredible bravery. They spoke out against unacceptable health and safety conditions, including cockroach and rat infestations, dangerous vehicles, and unsafe facilities. When union leaders delegated the employer to demand improvements to health and safety conditions, some were suspended, and others were terminated for engaging in protected union activity. Instead of backing down, members organized, rallied, and took their fight to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the Airport Commission. Their courage paid off. The Board demanded reinstatement, inspections were conducted, and real improvements were made to working conditions. These members not only enforced their rights, but also won safer jobs. And as they head into a contract campaign next year, they are stronger and more prepared than ever.
Allied Division
In our Allied Division, we are especially proud of the growth of our Stadiums and Arenas Council. Workers from all of our professional football, basketball, and baseball stadiums and arenas are coming together across employers and locations. Janitors at Oracle Park took action during the summer Giants/Dodgers series which lead to them winning a strong new contract. Our members at Disneyland finally received the money they won years ago under Measure L when the $233 million wage theft lawsuit, filed by more than 51,000 Disneyland employees, was approved by an Orange County judge, ending a six-year dispute. This unity will significantly increase our power as we head into future contract negotiations. In addition, we successfully won a strong statewide racetracks contract under extremely challenging conditions, proof that solidarity works even in the toughest environments.
Janitorial Division
In the Janitorial Division, we have been focused on building strength for the long term. As we prepare for our next contract campaign and the possibility of a strike in 2028, we are investing in leadership development and expanding our network of shop stewards. We are building the strongest division possible, one rooted in member leadership, unity, and readiness, so that when the time comes, we are more prepared than ever to win.
Political Power and the Road Ahead
Politically, 2025 brought an important victory in California with the passage of Proposition 50, led by SEIU and SEIU United Service Workers West. This measure allows California to redraw congressional districts for the 2026 elections to counter extreme partisan gerrymandering in states like Texas.
Looking ahead to 2026, we know what is at stake. We must win back a Democratic majority in Congress to serve as a real counterbalance to the damage being done to workers, immigrants, and our communities. At the same time, we are preparing for major contract campaigns in our Security Division master agreements across Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Silicon Valley. These fights will require unity, strength, and active participation from every member.
This year tested us, but it also proved something powerful: When we stand together, when we organize, and when we refuse to be silent, we WIN! I am deeply proud of every member of SEIU United Service Workers West. Your courage, resilience, and solidarity inspire me every day.
As we prepare for the many fights ahead, know that all of us at SEIU United Service Workers West will never stop fighting for justice, for dignity, and for a future rooted in freedom and solidarity.
In Solidarity,
David Huerta
President, SEIU United Service Workers West