Politicians who claim to support the disabled act far differently when powerful unions demand they kick disabled workers to the curb instead of accommodating their special needs.

In a troubling development, PRIDE Industries, a Roseville, California-based social enterprise dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities, has announced a significant reduction in force affecting disabled prison contractors at the California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville.

The layoffs, which involve around 62 employees, are a direct result of a union dispute that has forced the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to cease employing PRIDE workers in custodial positions traditionally held by civil service employees.

PRIDE Industries has long been known for providing competitive business services to various commercial, industrial, and government clients. The organization has become a model for inclusive employment, offering meaningful work opportunities to individuals with disabilities who may otherwise face significant barriers to entering the workforce.

However, the recent setback is a blow to PRIDE and the affected employees. The dispute centers around the grievance filed by the Service Employees International Union Local 1000 (SEIU Local 1000), one of the most powerful unions in the state.

According to the union, outsourcing custodial services to PRIDE Industries at the California Medical Facility violates the civil service protections guaranteed in the California State Constitution. These protections are designed to ensure stable, fair employment for public workers and safeguard against the privatization of jobs traditionally held by state employees.

A spokesperson for SEIU Local 1000 explained the union’s position, stating, “We challenged the outsourcing of custodial services at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville because it violated civil service protections enshrined in the California State Constitution, which safeguard stable employment and fair treatment for public workers.” The union’s concerns are rooted in a desire to protect unionized workers and prevent further erosion of public sector jobs.

Despite the ongoing grievance, PRIDE Industries has continued to advocate for its disabled workers, urging both the state and the union to consider alternative solutions allowing the employees to remain in their roles. Unfortunately, the state has allowed the contract to expire and, with it, the employment of these individuals. The contract is set to conclude by the end of February 2025, leaving the 62 workers facing uncertain futures.

Where are the progressive champions of inclusion?

What stands out in this situation is the lack of proactive efforts to integrate these workers into the civil service system or to provide accommodations for their continued employment within state agencies. Rather than taking meaningful steps to ensure that these workers can remain employed within state service, the state has chosen to let the contract run its course, resulting in the layoffs of disabled workers who had relied on PRIDE Industries to provide them with stable, dignified employment.

The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of disabled workers within the public sector and the need for meaningful reforms in how outsourcing is handled in government contracts.

Advocates for people with disabilities argue that the issue is not simply about labor contracts but about ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have access to fair employment opportunities.

About the SEIU...

• SEIU Local 1000 Corruption Allegations and Scandals:  SEIU Local 1000 has faced several allegations of corruption, with critics accusing its leadership of mismanaging funds, engaging in undemocratic practices, and using its influence for personal gain. One of the most notable controversies occurred when former union leaders were accused of embezzling funds for personal use. Investigations revealed that union members' dues were misallocated for purposes unrelated to their interests, such as lavish vacations and high-end perks for union leadership. These actions sparked outrage among union members who felt their hard-earned dues were being squandered by corrupt officials.

• Allegations of Power and Influence Abuse:  Another major issue surrounding SEIU Local 1000 is its alleged abuse of power and its often controversial political influence. The union has been accused of exerting undue influence on political candidates and decisions in California. Its significant campaign contributions have raised concerns about the union's ability to sway political agendas in its favor, sometimes putting union interests over the public good. Such power can lead to conflicts of interest, where the interests of union leadership or political allies overshadow the needs of rank-and-file members.

Bottom line...

As the clock ticks down to the contract's expiration at CMF, the future of the 62 disabled workers remains uncertain.

PRIDE Industries has called on state officials and the union to find a solution allowing these workers to continue contributing to the California Medical Facility and other state services.

Advocates for disability inclusion hope that this situation will prompt a broader conversation about the need for reforms to ensure that people with disabilities are not excluded from opportunities to serve their communities, even in the face of union challenges or political disputes.

The outcome of this situation could set an important precedent for how California handles the inclusion of disabled workers in public service positions and balances the interests of labor unions with the need for inclusive, equitable employment opportunities for all citizens.

Californians, call your legislator now. Demand that they back their mealy-mouthed words with real action.

With California's progressive communist democrat uni-party, everybody is screwed.

-- Steve