I want to share some exciting news with you. SEIU 1021, the largest city employee union in Oakland, representing more than 2200 workers, voted Friday to endorse my campaign for Oakland City Council. 

“The members of SEIU 1021 are proud to endorse Nikki Fortunato Bas for Oakland City Council District 2. She has been a champion for working families and a resident of the district for two decades. She understands the issues of our members and will bring effective leadership to City Council,” said Felipe Cuevas, President of SEIU 1021 City of Oakland Chapter.

Local 1021 has worked tirelessly to represent City employees and make Oakland a safer, fairer, more equitable place for both its workers and the residents whom its workers serve. I am honored and grateful to have received their endorsement and look forward to working alongside 1021 to ensure our City employees are treated fairly in the workplace and our residents receive the services we need.

From being on the front lines with 1021 during the Lift Up Oakland campaign to provide workers a better wage and paid sick days to the recent strike to win a fair contract for City employees, I have stood proudly with our union sisters and brothers.  

Gary Jimenez, SEIU 1021 East Bay Vice-President, had this to say regarding the endorsement, “Having worked with Ms. Bas to raise the Oakland minimum wage, I know her values and track record. Our members affirmed that she is the right choice for District 2 and believe she will represent and prioritize the interests of workers and residents.”

SEIU recognizes that we need proactive leadership that is rooted in Oakland values on the City Council and they know that they’ll get that from me.