On April 8, thanks to the tireless efforts of fast food workers and the unwavering support of allies like you, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors took a critical step toward launching Know Your Rights training for fast food workers in the county! This unanimous decision brings us closer to ensuring that every fast food cook and cashier knows their rights—from paid sick leave and family leave to protections against discrimination and wage theft.
This victory didn’t happen by accident. It happened because workers refused to back down. From walkouts and strikes across the county to speaking out against unsafe conditions and injustice, fast food workers in Santa Clara County have shown incredible courage and persistence.
It happened because allies like you took action, from sending in letters of support to County leadership to giving public comment at the meeting.
Lastly, it happened thanks to the bold leadership of County Supervisors Betty Doung and Susan Ellenberg, who spearheaded the effort, despite pressure from industry lobbyists who wanted to keep workers in the dark about their rights.
This isn’t just a win for workers’ rights—it’s a powerful step forward for immigrant rights and reproductive justice, at a time when these fundamental freedoms are under attack and far from guaranteed. Let’s keep the momentum going!
HCA Healthcare Forced to Acknowledge Community Demands Ahead of Good Samaritan Hospital Expansion Permit
The creation of a Community Advocacy Committee and a payment of $3 million to City of San Jose is a first step towards community accountability
The Rescue Our Medical Care Coalition achieved a pivotal first step in holding HCA Healthcare accountable after the San Jose City Council approved the hospital’s rezoning request, contingent on a $3 million voluntary donation and the establishment of a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) – the first such committee for an HCA Healthcare facility in the region, signaling the beginning of a broader community engagement process.
While HCA was allowed to proceed with their rezoning, they were grilled on their decision to close mental health beds and shutter services across the county. The donation and Community Advisory Committee (CAC) are the direct result of months of persistent community organizing that began when HCA initially closed psychiatric beds at Good Samaritan Hospital in June 2023, and ramped up when HCA Healthcare downgraded trauma, stroke, and heart attack services at Regional Medical Center in August of 2024.
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC), in particular, is a groundbreaking achievement for local healthcare accountability. HCA Healthcare is a multi-billion dollar corporation that has repeatedly demonstrated it’s more accountable to shareholders than to patients. This Community Advisory Council, the first such committee for an HCA Healthcare facility in the region, creates a mechanism for meaningful community engagement and ensures local voices will have a direct opportunity to influence decision-making.
The $3 million contribution, split between interim and permanent housing, represents a modest acknowledgment of the systemic harm HCA Healthcare has inflicted on the regional healthcare infrastructure through its pattern of service reduction. As Council Member Peter Ortiz explained ahead of the vote, HCA has created a two-tiered healthcare system in San Jose. The very services now being praised as life-saving were systematically eliminated from the East Side’s Regional Medical Center. The maternity ward, STEMI center, and other critical services have been stripped away over the past four years.
HCA also continues to challenge the county, currently suing Santa Clara County for $130 million in public subsidy reimbursements. As coalition member Darcie Green, these $130 million could have funded mental health services at Good Samaritan Hospital for the next decade – services HCA unilaterally cut.
While this represents a step forward, the Rescue Our Medical Care Coalition is more resolute than ever. This is not the end of our fight — we will continue to shine a light on HCA’s practices, demand accountability, and work tirelessly to ensure that healthcare in Santa Clara County serves the community first, not corporate bottom lines.
HCA Healthcare Pushes for Good Samaritan Expansion While Gutting Mental Health Services in a Crisis
Representatives from the Rescue Our Medical Care Coalition, joined by District 9 Council Member Pam Foley, met today with Good Samaritan Hospital’s CEO to address concerns over HCA Healthcare’s proposed facility expansion amid ongoing service reductions across San José. The Coalition presented clear demands to hospital leadership, focusing on two critical priorities: the restoration of acute psychiatric beds and the establishment of a patient protection fund to safeguard healthcare access for all San José residents.
HCA Healthcare made no commitments to restore mental health services or invest in a patient protection or community benefits package. “It’s evident that HCA’s actions will worsen the city’s mental health crisis. The real question is, will the City Council let that happen?” said Darcie Green who attended the meeting with other coalition partners. “San Jose and Mayor Matt Mahan will never be able to end encampments without offering these critical services, and it’s up to the City Council to step in and stop this.”
Good Samaritan Hospital, owned by HCA Healthcare, has faced mounting criticism for decisions that have reduced critical mental healthcare access in the County, which is currently experiencing a mental health and substance abuse crisis. The meeting follows the San José Planning Commission’s recent 7-1 vote recommending the rejection of HCA Healthcare’s land use plans, highlighting the urgent need for binding commitments to protect community healthcare services. The meeting’s timing is particularly crucial, coming just days before the San José City Council is set to vote on HCA Healthcare’s expansion plans on November 19, 2024.
The Planning Commission’s strong stance, combined with the upcoming City Council vote, has created heightened pressure for HCA to address community concerns about mental health service restoration and healthcare accessibility.
Before the meeting, patients, mental health advocates, and community members from the Rescue Our Medical Care Coalition rallied in front of San José City Hall. The Coalition supports critical upgrades that would keep staff and patients safe without disrupting services. However, HCA is delaying these improvements by avoiding accountability and pushing forward with a plan that disrupts healthcare access for San José residents and undermines the city’s General Plan. Despite being behind schedule, HCA is prioritizing a $1.2 billion expansion of Good Samaritan Hospital while abandoning critical mental health services that once served thousands of local residents.
“Let’s set the record straight: It’s not this Coalition or community advocates slowing down the process for Good Samaritan’s zoning. The real delay comes from Good Samaritan’s own incompetence and refusal to engage in this process in good faith. That is why we are here today—to demand a Patient Protection Fund and the restoration of mental health services at Good Samaritan Hospital,” said João Paolo, Organizing Director of Working Partnerships USA.
“HCA Healthcare, the parent company of Good Samaritan, has consistently put our community’s care in jeopardy, cutting essential services at the expense of the entire community. The City Planning Commission made it clear when they rejected HCA’s proposal…Now, the City Council has the opportunity to ensure that HCA finally does right by our communities and starts to rebuild the trust they once had,” said Council Member Peter Ortiz who urged his fellow council members to defer consideration of this project.
“HCA Healthcare removed a large number of beds from availability when we were already facing a shortage. I’m asking the San Jose City Council not to hand HCA an open check to keep bleeding our services and stripping off the profit. The issue isn’t with Good Samaritan Hospital expanding; it’s that they’ve upset the balance and aren’t giving back to the community they serve,” said Karen Deloumi, Board Member, NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness).
“Every time HCA shutters essential services, it’s the local government and the community that step in to pick up the pieces and save lives—at the expense of taxpayers. That’s why we need a Patient Protection Fund controlled by the community, to ensure HCA is held accountable and to safeguard against future harm,” said Darcie Green, Executive Director of Latinas Contra Cancer.
Santa Clara County to reclaim Regional Medical Center: But there is still work to be done
Today, our community has achieved a monumental victory. The decision by Santa Clara County to take over Regional Medical Center and keep its doors open is a step in the right direction to reclaim healthcare, not just for the Eastside — but for every resident across Santa Clara County.
This is what happens when our local government truly listens to its people and prioritizes care, inclusion, and the well-being of all.
The decision to acquire RMC and restore the trauma center, stroke services and the maternity ward that was shuttered in 2020 delivers a blow to private corporations that have hijacked our health systems across the country for their own profits — especially targeting communities of color and working-class neighborhoods like ours. But today, we’ve shown them that we are not to be underestimated. When we come together, we can protect our lives, our health, and our future.
But there is still work to be done — we need to keep organizing to ensure that the Board of Supervisors and HCA Healthcare reach an agreement swiftly, and in alignment with what patients, doctors and medical workers need.
Maria Noel of Fernandez, Executive Director of Working Partnerships said, “We are grateful to the County for stepping up when others failed to and our work is not done until HCA works with the County, alongside the community and labor partners to restore services and rebuild community trust on the Eastside.”
“I am proud to live in a community where we stand united for health justice and equity, fighting for everyone’s right to a healthy future. Thanks to our County’s bold leadership, we are reclaiming our healthcare and safeguarding our community. But our work is not over. HCA caused harm and we must continue to hold HCA accountable for the damage they’ve caused and demand for repair and a significant commitment to justice and equity for the residents of East San Jose,” says Darcie Green, Executive Director of Latinas Contra Cancer.
Victory: California Supreme Court Strikes Down “Taxpayer Deception Act” Initiative
Court decision safeguards crucial funding and upholds voter power against corporate influence
This morning, the California Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision ruling the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” initiative cannot be included on the November 2024 ballot.
Working Partnerships USA Executive Director, Maria Noel Fernandez, emphasizes, “In striking down the unconstitutional Taxpayer Deception Act, the California Supreme Court has boldly confronted corporate influence and defended our communities. This victory not only preserves billions in critical funding for schools, reproductive healthcare, and paid family leave but also underscores the power of voters in our state. We know that the same corporate interests aligned on this measure are also moving to roll back other wins — including life-changing criminal justice reform and critical environmental and health regulations. We stand alongside our diverse local coalition of elected representatives, community and labor leaders, workers and residents of Santa Clara County, as well as our legislative champions and regional partners, ready to protect our progress and defend against any future assaults on our safety and well-being, and democratic principles.”
The court’s decision was based on recognizing that the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” initiative posed a serious threat to our community’s ability to fund essential services without unnecessary hurdles. By requiring voter approval for tax increases already approved by elected officials, this measure would have tied the hands of local leaders in responding to our community’s needs promptly. The court rightly saw this as a major overhaul (a revision) of our state’s governance structure rather than a simple tweak (an amendment). They emphasized the importance of following the strict procedures outlined in Article XVIII of the California Constitution for making such profound changes. This ensures that any proposals with significant implications for governance undergo thorough scrutiny and respect the democratic processes designed to protect the interests of all Californians.
This is a huge victory against a handful of big real estate developers and corporations who want to illegally change our Constitution and shift taxes to working people so they can continue to profit and enrich themselves. We’re grateful for our fierce coalition of community and labor leaders, local city and county representatives and residents who have been advocating against this deceptive and unconstitutional measure alongside us.
Fast Food Fair Work Ordinance: Q & A with Organizer Gabriel Cardenas
Gabriel Cardenas is a full-time Organizer at WPUSA, with nearly a decade of experience in labor organizing and workforce development.
When we say fast food workers, who are we talking about in San José?
There are 13,000 fast food workers employed at 600-700 locations in San José, which is one of the largest populations of fast food workers in the Bay Area. Most of these workers are women and 80% are people of color. There is a perception that fast food jobs are mostly short-term summer jobs or part-time jobs for high school students, though most of the professionals employed at fast food restaurants are working full-time to support families. Fast food workers are not just high school students; they make Silicon Valley what it is. We are talking about the same people who are making your food, working in the field, cleaning rooms in hotels, doing heavy lifting, and making Silicon Valley work. For every tech job, there are 3 supportive service jobs. They are the ones who need someone in the kitchen while others stay on campus to code, shaping the future of the world. They include security officers and those cleaning up after you.
What would the Fast Food Fair Work Ordinance do for these people who keep the fast food industry running?
Firstly, it ensures that every fast food worker is trained on their rights, addressing the fact that many in the Bay Area, as reported at 88%, are unaware of their entitlements. With this knowledge, workers can defend themselves against potential exploitation by their employers. Secondly, the ordinance mandates paid time off for fast food workers. Some have been employed for over 5 years without a single day off. This particularly affects mothers juggling multiple jobs, often unable to afford childcare. Instances like Maria Maldonado’s, who lost hours and income after taking a day off for her child’s health appointment, illustrate the need for change. Under this law, for every 30 hours worked, employees like Maria will accrue an hour of paid leave.
This initiative isn’t solely about the workers; it’s about supporting their families too. Fast food workers should have the ability to care for themselves and their loved ones without fear of job loss or financial strain, mirroring the benefits afforded to white-collar workers.
At the March 19 San José City Council, workers and community members showed up to voice support for the Fast Food Fair Work Ordinance. What impact did this have on the City Council’s decision?
On March 19, 2024, over 50 fast food workers, some with children, attended the 5-hour meeting, sharing powerful stories. It was an incredible show of power and solidarity from workers. In the budget, the city prioritizes ending homelessness and ensuring safety, but these issues are critically connected to fair wages for fast food workers who struggle with housing insecurity and the rising cost of living. In fact, 1 in every 9 unhoused people is a fast food worker, and we’ve heard so many stories of people being evicted from their homes too.
While some council members ignored workers’ concerns and echoed industry lobbyists’ talking points, others acknowledged the need for action. As someone with personal experience in the food service industry, I understand the challenges these workers face and the urgent need for change and it was disheartening to see workers’ urgent concerns were not seen as a priority despite the overwhelming evidence in favor of passing the law. Workers are simply asking to be treated with dignity and respect — and that day, many of our council members failed to do that.
It’s not just workers that want to see this law passed. Over 2,400 people signed a petition in favor of it. Why do you think this garnered so much community support?
Stories like Laura’s, who experienced a miscarriage and was forced to work while sick, missing important family events, resonated with the community. When people hear the harrowing stories from those who work in fast food, especially women, it’s hard to sit back and do nothing. The petition showed the San José City Council that residents see the importance of this issue. Making sure workers know their rights is a no-brainer for voters — and the broader San José community agrees with that — and this support is critical.
It shows workers they are not alone, and it reminds our elected representatives that we will collectively hold them accountable to protecting and supporting working people and regular San José residents.
This fight has grown into a movement. We are proud to collaborate with fast food workers, SEIU 1021, SEIU International, the Fight for $15 grassroots movement, and the California Fast Food Workers Union (CAFFWU).
Looks like we have strong worker and community support for this — so what’s the hold up?
Since fast food workers began advocating for this ordinance, the fast food industry has countered with a vigorous campaign to prevent its implementation. They’ve invested heavily in local elections, hired lobbyists to influence council members, and propagated misinformation to instill fear among small businesses. As a result, what should be a straightforward decision has dragged on. It makes you wonder – why should businesses that’s treating workers fairly be up in arms against their employees knowing their basic rights?
McDonald’s has been actively spreading misinformation and creating confusion about the ordinance. However, this ordinance will benefit small businesses that prioritize fair treatment of workers, enhance employees’ lives, improve working conditions, and elevate health and hygiene standards in over 600 fast food restaurants. All San Jose residents stand to gain from this — so I don’t see why it’s taking our leadership to recognize this.
Many hard-working people rely on the convenience of fast food. How will the Fast Food Fair Work Ordinance impact customers?
Happy workers create happy meals, so as customers, we’re all going to benefit from this. The fast food industry wants us to believe that this will increase the price of our burgers but the reality is that they’ve already been increasing their rates anyway, and way more than the rate of inflation— and that has nothing to do with fast food workers knowing their rights. Research has shown that fast food corporations can pay workers more, keep prices stable and still make profit — we know its possible because some fast food corporations like In-and-out do it.
Is it possible that businesses also don’t know about the rights? Would businesses have the opportunity to learn about rights?
It’s possible that businesses may not be fully aware of their employees’ rights. Some businesses are focused on the bottom line and profitability, so they may not prioritize understanding regulations. However, not all businesses are inherently evil; they may simply need more information. Programs like the Fair Workplace Collaborative (FWC) and Prosperity Lab offer training for small businesses on standards and minimum wage requirements. It’s crucial for businesses to do their due diligence to ensure that their employees are treated fairly, as one paycheck can make the difference between having housing and living in a car.
California recently implemented a $20 minimum wage for fast food workers, and we also have a statewide fast food workers union — how will the local San José ordinance add to this?
Working in the fast food industry is hard — long hours, grueling labor, and unpredictable schedules are currently the norm, and workplace harassment, gender based violence and unsafe and unsanitary working conditions are common.
Forming a fast food workers union and establishing a statewide minimum wage is a huge step for not just fast food workers, but also all Californians who San Jose’s workers must also benefit, but without awareness of their rights, they can’t — that’s why we need the ordinance.
