2006

Voices for Justice Celebrated in San Diego | In November 2006, ICWJ hosted its third annual Voices for Justice: Who Will Speak If We Don't Breakfast honoring religious and labor leaders, in addition to workers from our campaigns. With support from the business community and attendance by many of our elected leaders, we were able to celebrate a thriving partnership between the faith and labor community on behalf of working families in San Diego!

Head-Start Workers Win Their Struggle for a Just Contract | For almost four years, Head Start workers for San Diego's Neighborhood House Association (NHA) struggled to win a just contract and a voice on the job. ICWJ stood strong beside the workers on delegations, at actions, and served witness at the bargaining table until they were able to bargain for the wages, benefits and respect they need to serve the Head-Start families and to support their own. In partnership with SEIU Local 2028

CLUE-California launches a state-wide movement | Today, more than 1,000 religious leaders representing over 250,000 congregants have joined forces to launch an unprecedented statewide effort to fight poverty and rebuild the middle class. From San Diego to Northern California, faith organizations are increasingly powerful actors in the movement for economic justice by contributing their moral voice to high-profile battles over Wal-Mart, living wage campaigns, the right to organize at the workplace, immigration, and other efforts to improve the lives of low-income working Californians.

UDW Survives a Healthcare Crisis: IHSS Workers Maintain Healthcare Coverage | Just before Labor Day 2006, San Diego County advised almost 3,000 home care workers that they would be losing their healthcare coverage at the end of the month. To avoid this crisis, ICWJ partnered with UDW-AFSCME to work behind the scenes with elected officials and strategic allies in the labor community to reach an agreement between the union and the County to guarantee healthcare at no additional cost to the workers. In partnership with UDW AFCSME

ICWJ receives National Recognition | ICWJ won the "SEIU Ambassador for Justice" Award and was recognized as one of the seven honorees from across the country during the SEIU National Social and Economic Justice Conference in Atlanta this past summer.

Workers Win at Pala Casino | Workers at Pala Casino and Resort negotiated and signed a strong first contract with the Pala Band of Indians in North San Diego County. With tribal casinos employing thousands of workers across California, and earning more than $6 Billion a year in a growing industry, this contract sets a strong precedent. These workers were not only able gain better wages and benefits, but their contract also includes anti-discrimination language and arbitration measures in workers' compensation cases - rights that workers do not always have on sovereign lands. In partnership with UNITE HERE

2005

Living Wage: City of San Diego | Led the Living Wage effort for the City of San Diego in partnership with the SD Living Wage Coalition. After three and a half years 2,000 workers serving the City of San Diego will gain better wages, benefits, and greater security on the job through the implementation of the Living Wage Ordinance.

University of California Service Workers | 7,000 University of California Service Workers across the state were able to win a solid three-year contract after months of difficult negotiations and a one-day strike; ICWJ supported the workers with large public actions and critical behind-the-scenes approaches. In partnership with AFSCME Local 3299

Sharp Memorial-Sodexho Workers |  With ICWJ presence at negotiations and public actions, the Food Service Workers and Housekeepers at Sharp Memorial Hospital won a strong first contract. In partnership with UHCE/AFSCME.

Gallo Boycott | ICWJ hosted a "No Gallo" press conference along with 20 other cities across the country to pressure the Gallo family; the boycott ultimately resulted in a contract for the Gallo of Sonoma farm workers.  In partnership with United Farm Workers of America

Justice for Janitors | More than 120 leaders in the faith community signed onto a Statement of Principles in support of low-wage workers with the aim to supply pressure on behalf of the Suburban Janitors in their renewal contract. After months of struggle at the bargaining table, Suburban Janitors endured a four-week strike that resulted in an increase in wages and benefits as well as a strong base of community support, led by ICWJ, as they look towards their 2008 contract. In partnership with SEIU Local 1877

Community Benefits Agreement (CBA): Ballpark Village | ICWJ was a critical factor in A Community Coalition for Responsible Development's unprecedented Ballpark Village CBA passed in October that resulted in the promise of good living wage jobs for residents who live in Southeast San Diego (who will be most effected by the development of the Ballpark Village) in addition to many other important Community Benefits.  In partnership with ACCORD Community Partners

Hotel Del Coronado | ICWJ supported employees of "The Del" through a change of ownership and difficult contract negotiations; employees ratified a strong contract that included improved job security in addition to better wages and benefits. In partnership with UNITE HERE Local 30