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Future of Workers

A big win for fast food workers in Santa Clara County

 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 advancing 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! 

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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. 

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workingpartnershipsusa

We are proud to stand alongside @seiu521, @seiu102 We are proud to stand alongside @seiu521, @seiu1021, @parentvoicesoakland, Headstart workers, parents, and providers to demand justice for our children, families, and care workers from our Care Workers Council. 

Childcare is under attack in Santa Clara County.
❌ Headstart and Early Head Start are being defunded
❌ Childcare providers are being laid off
❌ Facilities are shutting down permanently

These cuts hit hardest in East and South County, where families already face limited access to childcare. These are childcare deserts — and they’re growing.

This is a call to action: Invest in care, not cuts.

Every child deserves a safe, nurturing place to grow. Every working family deserves support. Every provider deserves respect.

We're organizing for Childcare for All — because strong communities start with strong care.

#ChildcareForAll #StopTheCuts #SEIU521 #WorkingPartnershipsUSA #HeadStartMatters #InvestInCare #CommunityPower #SouthBaySolidarity #WhenWeFightWeWi
🔹 Employers in San Jose with 36 or more employe 🔹 Employers in San Jose with 36 or more employees are legally required to prioritize offering additional work hours to qualified part-time employees before hiring external candidates, including subcontractors or temporary staffing agencies.⁠
🔹 This ordinance aims to increase economic stability for part-time workers by ensuring they have the first opportunity to take on additional hours before new hires are considered.⁠
🔹 Non-compliance can result in city-led investigations and financial penalties for violating businesses.⁠
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NEW REPORT by @CHIRLA_ORG and @CAFastFoodUnion she NEW REPORT by @CHIRLA_ORG and @CAFastFoodUnion sheds light on the specific ways that fear about immigration status, and lack of knowledge about their rights, are impacting the lives of over 600,000 fast food workers across California.

While union workers have used their rights to hold fast food bosses accountable, many workers continue to live in fear.

Thanks to the bold leadership of our elected representatives , Santa Clara County is exploring providing Know Your Rights training for fast food workers. We need to let them know that we support safe, in-person training for Fast Food Workers in our county, where they can learn about their rights, understand labor laws, and connect with trusted resource people for guidance on workplace issues.

Read the report: https://www.chirla.org/fastfoodworkersreport/
Last week in San Jose, we gathered with workers an Last week in San Jose, we gathered with workers and community members from across our campaigns — app-based drivers, care workers, Berryessa Flea Market vendors, trades program participants, and more — for a community BBQ and potluck.⁠
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It was a chance to slow down, share a meal, and connect across the different parts of our work and lives. We enjoyed fresh-off-the-grill tacos 🌮 and elotes 🌽, music, games for the kids, and a piñata — and meaningful time spent together.⁠
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Huge shoutout to our team for pouring heart into every detail, and to everyone who showed up, brought food, brought love ❤️, and brought hope.⁠
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We’re proud to be part of this vibrant, unstoppable community in Santa Clara County — and even prouder to keep growing it together 🌱.
📢 We're hiring at Working Partnerships USA!⁠ 📢 We're hiring at Working Partnerships USA!⁠
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If you're ready to turn your passion for social justice into action, this is your chance to join a team fighting for economic equity, workers’ rights, and real community power. From supporting groundbreaking workforce programs to organizing alongside working families, our open roles offer the opportunity to make meaningful change in the South Bay and beyond.⁠
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We're looking for driven, values-aligned individuals to join us in building a future where everyone can thrive.⁠
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Scan the QR Codes or use the link in our bio to apply! 🔗
🚨 May Day is OUR day 🚨⁠ ⁠ This May 1st, 🚨 May Day is OUR day 🚨⁠
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This May 1st, we’re hitting the streets with workers, immigrants, and our Santa Clara community—because when we move together, we’re unstoppable.⁠
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We're bringing our voices, our stories, our culture to the streets—because when our community stands united, no force can silence us, divide us, or steal our future.⁠
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We’re not just marching. We’re building power. We’re demanding dignity. We’re showing up for each other.⁠
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📍 Story & King, San José⁠
🎉 Rally: 2:30pm | March: 4:00pm | Ends at City Hall with performances and community celebration ⁠
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📢 Calling all future organizers, advocates, and 📢 Calling all future organizers, advocates, and changemakers! ✨ 

Working Partnerships USA's Bill Leininger Summer Justice Internship application is now open! This paid, 8-week internship is your chance to dive into real community change work—supporting campaigns that fight for racial justice, workers’ rights, housing, and more right here in Santa Clara County.

Whether you’re a student, a new organizer, or just interested in movement work, this is an awesome opportunity to learn hands-on organizing, connect with mentors, and grow your leadership. You’ll be matched with a campaign that fits your interests and get to see the impact of grassroots power up close.

✨ Apps are due May 10—so don’t wait! ✨

This internship is open to everyone—if you’re passionate about justice and ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply. Just bring your energy, curiosity, and commitment to community.

Apply today using the link in our bio! 🔗
🕯This year's Workers’ Memorial Day event was 🕯This year's Workers’ Memorial Day event was a powerful reminder of why this work is urgent and necessary. In a world where too many workers still face unsafe conditions, low wages, and a lack of basic protections, creating spaces to share knowledge, build solidarity, and honor those we’ve lost is essential to pushing for real change.⁠
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Through worker stories, hands-on trainings, and open conversations about immigrant rights and workplace safety, we created a space for learning, healing, and collective action. As we continue the fight for safer, fairer workplaces, we carry with us the memories of those we honored and the lessons we heard. ⁠
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The movement for workplace justice doesn’t end with a single event—it lives on in every worker who speaks out, every right we defend, and every community we build together. 💪⁠
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Shout out to @somosmayfair, @pawissouthbay @stepfwd.fdn @sccfairwrkplace @scc_rapidresponsenetwork and our volunteers who made this event possible!⁠
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If you or someone you know needs support, resources, or legal help, visit The Fair Workplace Collaborative website to get connected: https://wpusa.org/work/just-economy/fair-workplace-collaborative/ :link:
🤝 This Saturday, April 26, The Fair Workplace C 🤝 This Saturday, April 26, The Fair Workplace Collaborative invites you to a powerful Workers' Memorial Day event honoring the lives of those lost to unsafe working conditions—and empowering those still on the job today.⁠
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Through trainings, storytelling, group activities, and an immigration Q&A panel, we’re creating a space where workers can come together to learn, connect, and support each other. You’ll be able to tap into resources from local and state organizations, hear directly from fellow workers about what they’ve faced on the job, and get real answers to your questions. Together, we’ll honor the lives of those we've lost to unsafe workplaces, build stronger bonds across our communities, and walk away with tools to protect ourselves and each other.⁠
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Childcare will be provided, and free food will be available to support community engagement. Doors open at 5PM with opening stories and coffee/pan dulce, followed by an evening full of learning, reflection, and solidarity. ⁠
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Whether you're a worker, an ally, or a community member committed to justice, we welcome you to be part of this day of remembrance, education, and action. ✊ Sign up using the link in our bio 🔗
✨Save the Date—Celebrate 30 Years of Powering ✨Save the Date—Celebrate 30 Years of Powering Progress in the South Bay!✨⁠
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For 30 years, Working Partnerships USA has been powering progress and shaping a better future for working families in the South Bay. This year, we celebrate that legacy—and the bold vision we’re building for the next 30 years.⁠
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In exactly 6 months from now, join us on October 17, 2025, at the Signia by Hilton in San Jose, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary at the Champions for Change Gala. ⁠
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Together, we’ll honor the advocates, leaders, and movements driving transformation in our communities, recognize the progress we’ve made and recommit to growing local power, strengthening our regional economy, and ensuring a just future for everyone who lives and works in Santa Clara County.⁠
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Use the link in bio to save the date on your calendar 🔗⁠
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Stay tuned for announcements about featured speakers, our 2025 Champions, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales.
Now more than ever, fast food workers need access Now more than ever, fast food workers need access to Know Your Rights trainings.

From wage theft to unsafe working conditions to unpredictable scheduling, too many workers are facing exploitation without the tools to fight back.

Know Your Rights trainings are critical for empowering workers with the knowledge they need to stand up, speak out, and demand better. These trainings are more than just information—they’re a step toward dignity, safety, and justice on the job.

Today, let's call on Santa Clara County to ensure every fast food worker is empowered to advocate for their rights and their wellbeing!
🗣️ Workers from different sectors of our comm 🗣️ Workers from different sectors of our community came together for a powerful Workers Roundtable with the candidates running to represent San Jose District 3.

In a city where working people are the backbone of our communities—providing care, serving food, driving passengers, cleaning homes, and more—worker voices deserve to be at the forefront of the decisions that will shape their lives and livelihoods.

At the roundtable, workers spoke honestly about what it’s like to live and work in San Jose today—the struggle to pay rent on low wages, having insufficient benefits or protections, unsafe job conditions, and more. In turn, candidates shared their vision for a San Jose that works for everyone, and their individual plans to incorporate care, dignity, and fairness at the center of the city's policy decisions.

Polls are open tomorrow for San Jose's D3 Special Election. Let's make sure the voices of working families are heard! 🗳️
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