With the surge in theft and armed assaults across the City of Oakland, IBEW 1245 members working for the city and the utility are being subjected to an alarming number of violent incidents — and IBEW 1245 has taken a stand to protect the safety of these hard-working individuals.
Together with our allies, Local 1245 helped draft a Safe Work Zone (SWZ) Ordinance, which would enable Oakland Police to clear civilians in work areas, allowing city employees and essential workers (including 1245 members at PG&E and contractors) to perform their essential work free from violence and harassment.
“Over the last couple of years, our members working in the City of Oakland have endured numerous harrowing encounters including shootings, stabbings, and robberies,” said IBEW 1245 Senior Assistant Business Manager Al Fortier. “The SWZ Ordinance is a good first step in addressing violence against essential workers in Oakland who are targeted by criminals because of the tools, equipment and other valuables that they have on their vehicles.”
In anticipation of the Ordinance coming before the City Council, IBEW 1245’s organizing team reached out to more than 200 union members in the City of Oakland via phone, text and email to urge them to contact the Council in support of the measure, while Business Rep Nicole Brooks got the word out at 1245 worksites across the city. This effort resulted in more than 30 letters to Council members in favor of the ordinance.
The SWZ Ordinance came before the Oakland City Council on Tuesday, December 5, and more than 40 IBEW 1245 members came out to express their support. The Ordinance also received key support from SEIU 1021, the largest union at the City, and UFCW 5, which represents workers at Safeway, Rite Aid and several other employers in Oakland.
IBEW 1245 members and supporters filled the City Council chambers
More than 20 members from 1245 testified in favor of the SWZ. One of those speakers was Chris Feyling, an IBEW 1245 member and Electric M&C Coordinator who worked for PG&E out of the Oakland Service Center for more than seven years. In his testimony, he explained what the conditions are like for crews working on the streets of Oakland.
“Co-workers have been verbally harassed, sucker-punched from behind, held up and robbed, our vehicles continually get looted, and I had a customer reaching into their waistband because they we not happy with where we had our vehicles parked,” Feyling told the Council. “Times are hard and we understand that, but we should be able to feel safe when on the job and our families should not have to worry about our environment, because they worry enough with the work that we do. This Ordinance will help me stay safe on the job and continue to provide essential gas/electric service to all Oakland residents.”
Other 1245 members shared similar stories with the Council, while opponents of the measure tried to make the misguided argument that the SWZ ordinance was intended to target homeless individuals – but even those opponents acknowledged that essential workers deserve to be able to do their jobs safely.
Thomas Johnson, PG&E Oakland Gas M&C Supervisor, was among dozens of speakers who testified in favor of the Safe Work Zone Ordinance.
IBEW 1245 member Michael Patterson, who works for the City of Oakland, responded to the opponents’ arguments by explaining that the perpetrators of these assaults and robberies are part of a criminal organization; they’re not homeless individuals. He also explained how the attacks have become even more dangerous in recent months. Initially, these criminals were just going after tools and equipment; now, they’re also coming after the individual workers and their personal belongings.
Patterson’s testimony, along with the remarks from Feyling and 18 other IBEW members, struck a chord with the Council members and compelled them to act.
IBEW 1245 member Michael Patterson’s testimony resonated strongly with the members of the City Council
“After about three hours of testimony pro and con, the Oakland City Council unanimously passed the Safe Work Zone Ordinance,” reported Assistant Business Manager Hunter Stern. “Councilmember Fife actually cited Mike Patterson’s remarks when she explained why she supported the Ordinance. The Ordinance was on the Consent Agenda, and we were able to keep all City Council members committed to leaving it there, ensuring its passage.”
“One of the highlights for me was seeing labor come together as one to pass an ordinance that would keep our members safe,” said 1245 Assistant Business Manager Rene Cruz Martinez, noting that 1245 members came from as far as Sacramento and Vallejo to show support for their union siblings in Oakland. “This is what solidarity looks like; we all stand together as one union, no matter what employer we work for.”
“I am so proud of the amazing show of solidarity by our membership,” echoed 1245 Organizer Charlotte Stevens. “Worker safety is the foundation of our union, and we stood together as brothers and sisters to ensure we had an additional tool to make it home safe.”
“It was a hopeful experience to be able to speak in front of the Oakland City Council regarding the importance of safe work zones, and it was encouraging to receive a unanimous vote of approval in response,” added Feyling. “IBEW 1245 consistently fights for the needs of its members, and as a member, I am proud to stand alongside them!”
On Dec. 20, the Oakland Safe Work Zone Ordinance passed again unanimously on its second reading, and is now officially law in the City of Oakland.
–Rebecca Band, IBEW 1245 Communications Director
photos by Sarah Yoell and Al Fortier
IBEW 1245 members, leaders, staff and allies supporting the Safe Work Ordinance at the Oakland City Council meeting on Dec. 5