April, a pivotal month in the environmental calendar, symbolizes a global call to action for Earth Day, reminding us of our collective responsibility to safeguard our planet and foster a sustainable future. Although lesser known, April 28th commemorates the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. These observances underscore our shared responsibility to protect our planet and highlight the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all workers.

Earth Day, founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, emerged as a powerful grassroots movement to raise awareness about environmental issues and galvanize action on a national scale. The inaugural Earth Day sparked a monumental shift in public attitudes and paved the way for landmark ecological legislation that shaped our nation’s environmental policies. The Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Environmental Protection Agency were all established in the 1970s in response to the awareness brought about by the establishment of Earth Day. April 22nd has grown into the largest secular civic event in the world, with over 1 billion people participating.
Cardboard sign stating climate justice now.

Similarly, the International Labour Organization’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work is a global platform to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases. This year’s theme, focusing on the impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health, underscores the urgent need for collective action to address the intersection of environmental sustainability and workplace safety. This year’s theme is highly fitting, as 2023 was one of the warmest years on record. A year marred by record deaths for those who work outdoors with little to no legal safeguards, and indoor workers are facing increased opposition to protections.

At our first Community of Practice session for the year, our cohort discussed the history of labor organizing and its ties to environmental justice. We defined terms pertinent to organizers and discussed the Green New Deal and the interconnection between unions and eco-equity. The Jacobin does a superb job espousing the need for unification between labor and climate activists, using Todd E. Vachon’s book Clean Air and Good Jobs as a case study.

As we commemorate Earth Day and World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we reaffirm our commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable workplaces where the well-being of both workers and the environment are prioritized. Together, let us continue championing initiatives that foster a safer, healthier, and more equitable future for all.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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As we commemorate Women’s History Month, we reflect on women’s pivotal role in shaping the labor movement and advancing equity and inclusion in the workforce. Women were excluded from the labor movement for too long until it became clear that progress could only be achieved when all voices were heard and valued.

Moments of upheaval have often served as catalysts for women to organize and advocate for change. Take, for instance, the suffrage movement and the Triangle Shirtwaist fire tragedy in 1911, which claimed the lives of 146 primarily young immigrant women in New York. These events galvanized women to mobilize for safer working conditions and the right to vote, ultimately leading to the passage of the 19th Amendment and increased union membership. Similarly, the wave of women entering the workforce during and after World War II and the women’s liberation movement in the late 1960s and ’70s paved the way for significant advancements in women’s rights and workplace equality. These pivotal moments changed the course of women’s involvement in the workforce, helping to pass equal pay legislation and propel women into leadership roles across various industries.

As we celebrate the contributions of visionary leaders like Ai-jen Poo, Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, and Dolores Huerta, we recognize that women have not only helped rewrite the history of unions, but they are also paving the way for the future. Ai-jen Poo has revolutionized the landscape for domestic workers, leading the National Domestic Workers Alliance and advocating for policy reforms to protect vulnerable workers. Similarly, Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher has blazed trails as the first woman and person of color to serve as Chief Officer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, championing landmark laws on paid sick leave and farmworker protections. Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers Association, has dedicated her life to advocating for farmworkers’ rights and the Chicano civil rights movement, leaving an indelible mark on history.

According to an article in The 19th, studies have shown that unionization benefits women more than men, eliminating factors that fuel pay disparity and empowering women in negotiations for fair pay and benefits. As we move forward, it is critical to continue to have women represented at all levels of union activity, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued in shaping a more equitable and inclusive workforce for all. In commemorating Women’s History Month, let us honor women’s pivotal role in shaping the labor movement and driving progress toward equity and inclusion in the workforce.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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In 1915, Carter G. Woodson laid the foundation for this month of recognition, driven by the imperative to include the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans in the American narrative. Over a century later, we are still unveiling the depth and breadth of these stories, particularly within the dynamic realm of the labor movement. This Black History Month, we pay tribute to the trailblazing Black leaders who pioneered the labor movement, shaping the landscape of employment rights for generations.

While many know the historic struggles for civil rights for Black Americans, most are unaware that many organizers and activists who championed those rights were heavily involved in the labor movement. Take Bayard Rustin who was the chief architect of The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. His contributions were indispensable, although he was overshadowed in history because he was a gay man.  Nonetheless, the march was a resounding call for labor rights within the civil rights movement, acknowledging the inseparable link between economic and civil justice. Black leaders were always keenly aware of strength in numbers, unity, and workers’ voices.

Enter the trailblazers—Nannie Helen Burrows, A. Phillip Randolph, and Lucy Parsons. Parsons strategically organized labor strikes in the late 19th century. In 1866, she co-founded the Working Women’s Union, breaking racial barriers by later integrating her union to include white women. Nannie Helen Burroughs, a luminary in education and activism, envisioned a future where economic empowerment was synonymous with justice. Founding the National Training School for Women and Girls in 1909, she sought to equip Black women with the tools to navigate a world where their voices were heard, not silenced. A. Philip Randolph, a pioneer in the labor movement, laid the groundwork in 1925 by founding the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters—the first formally recognized Black-led labor union. His tireless efforts opened doors for greater equity in the labor landscape, emphasizing that a voice in the workplace was the catalyst for broader societal change.

At ReWork the Bay, we echo these leaders’ equitable praxis at work and recognize that giving employees a voice is not just a policy but a commitment to the legacy of those who paved the way for a fair and just society. As we honor the contributions of these American giants, we vow to continue their endeavors for a more equitable Bay Area. Join us in this journey, where every voice is heard, every story is acknowledged, and progress is a collective endeavor. Here’s to a February of celebration, education, and a renewed commitment to an inclusive future.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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Welcome to 2024, a year brimming with possibilities and opportunities for positive change! 2023 saw major shifts towards collective worker power and employees advocating for their rights nationwide. As we step into this new chapter, we can’t help but feel the excitement and energy of creating our Year of Unity. A fitting title to honor our twenty years of championing equity for all in the Bay Area.

This year, we’re not just marking time but making it count. With a renewed focus on collective worker power and an unwavering commitment to our mission, we’re gearing up for impactful initiatives. Our upcoming strategy launch is set to redefine how we champion quality and empowered employment, ensuring our work aligns seamlessly with our core values. The Building Worker Power report, born from vital partnerships with workforce training programs, will spotlight their invaluable contributions to our community.

But that’s not all—enter our Funder Community of Practice, a space that embodies the spirit of participatory philanthropy. This year, we’ll explore the critical role of worker organizing and organized labor in economic justice. While we introduce new elements, our steadfast dedication to bringing statewide job quality remains unwavering.

As we embark on this exciting journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, advocates, and community partners who have been instrumental in our 20-year journey. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to equity, collaboration, and pursuing a Bay Area where everyone can thrive. Here’s to 20 years of impact and many more ahead!

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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The year 2023 is almost officially over, and what a year it has been for worker’s rights. As of October, there have been over 300 documented strikes, comprised of over 453,000 workers, doubling the number from 2022. Almost half a million people organized and protested for their rights as employees. In California alone, the healthcare workers, hospitality employees, teachers, and both actors and writers’ unions collectively took to the picket lines for their respective causes. The most rewarding part is that there were so many wins. The efforts are paying off, and things are changing for the better. This is only the beginning. Hot labor summer transformed into a season of solidarity and, up next, a year of unity. We recognize this work is a marathon, not a sprint, and we are fully committed to continuing the job.

We also acknowledge that work of this magnitude requires rest; rest as resistance. So take some time to reflect on the strides made this year, on the power reclaimed, the voices heard, but most of all, take some time to recuperate. We invite you to carve out a moment, no matter how brief, to intentionally unplug as the year concludes. While our messages may be less frequent in the coming weeks, rest assured that we are revitalizing, reigniting our enthusiasm, and reaffirming our dedication to fostering a more equitable Bay Area economy. We will see you in 2024, energized and ready to make an even bigger impact in the Bay.

For ways to get involved click here.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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As the scorching Hot Labor Summer gives way to Solidarity Season, the collective power of over 453,000 workers takes center stage on the picket lines. Their demands are clear: fair wages, safety and security in the workplace. Respect and dignity in one’s work is a very simple request. However, employers and corporations have spent months deliberately stalling negotiations and chipping away at what little protections currently exist. While Q3 earnings reports lament revenue lost due to labor actions,  workers have gone without a paycheck for months. For many living on the edge of financial instability, this prolonged income drought has made an already bad situation even worse. Winter slowdowns are on the horizon and may prove even more devastating for workers and their families. How can we better support the people on the frontlines risking their livelihoods to advocate for an equitable Bay Area?

Donate – One of the best ways to support striking workers is to donate your time or money to efforts by your local union. They may have a strike assistance program or a list of specific community needs you could help with.

Discover – America has a long history of collective organizing and stories of how everyday workers have advanced equity our society. Take some time to read about past and present labor leaders like Larry Itliong, Helene Powell, Chris Smalls, or Yvonne Wheeler.

Defend – Your voice matters in this fight, too! From every dollar you spend to your voting ballot to your algorithm, make sure you are making choices that align with your support for workers’ rights. You can start this today by forwarding this newsletter to someone in your network or sharing it on LinkedIn!

To the workers defending our humanity and making it possible for everyone to live full lives with security, dignity, and agency in our work, home, and communities, we say Thank you.
In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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In case it slipped under your radar, October 5th marked Latina Equal Pay Day! Did you know that Latinas make 52 cents for every dollar a white non-Hispanic man makes? Throughout the day, numerous social justice organizations joined forces in a social media storm, shining a spotlight on this staggering gender pay gap. We heard a multitude of stories backed by statistics of wage disparity and discrimination. The median annual pay for a Latina in the United States is $31,600, while the median yearly income for a white, non-Hispanic man is $60,830. At this rate, Latina women quite literally must work twice as hard to get half as far. Given this near $30,000 difference, in conjunction with over half of all Bay Area residents experiencing trouble with covering basic household expenses, the impact of paying women equitably is real. The consequences of not doing so are just as palpable. Employment discrimination and inequality cost the Bay Area approximately $5 billion in unrealized Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 alone.

As stark as these statistics are, it’s important to remember that real people are behind them. $30,000 is thirty-eight months’ worth of groceries. It’s three years of childcare or two years of rent. That $30,000 is a completed associate’s degree. This is life-changing money. And if we are going to ReWork the Bay Area into a place where everyone can live full lives with dignity in their work, we will have to take life-changing action. We can use these numbers to tell the stories of the people behind them in an honest and compelling way.

In a unique collaboration, our cross-sector Equity at Work Council, in partnership with the Bay Area Equity Atlas, took decades of experiences and data from Bay Area workers and crafted a narrative that provides a comprehensive view of how workers are faring in the region. It’s a meaningful exploration beyond numbers, delving into the everyday stories that shape our workforce.

We are thrilled to present the first-ever State of Bay Area Workers Data Tool. There, you will find a well-rounded picture of work and workers in each Bay Area county and the Region as a whole. With the data tool, you will learn more about where we are and, in turn, help get us to where we want to be.
In Community,

​​​​​​Briana, Janelle, + Rob

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Studs Terkel, an American author, first published “Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do” in 1974. His style of writing focuses on oral history, where the people lead and tell their own stories, absolutely shines. We hear from dozens of workers in various industries, from flight attendants and servers to teachers and autoworkers, about their ambitions and frustrations with this thing called work. Terkel’s book is a first-hand account of motivation, self-actualization, and the American labor experience.

Certainly, much has changed in the last 50 years, right?

Earlier this year, “Working: What We Do All Day” debuted on Netflix. The four-part documentary, directed by Caroline Suh and narrated by Barack Obama, gave us a glimpse into the experiences of workers today. The documentary follows people from across the country doing their best to find economic stability and navigate the changing field of employment while building a fulfilling life.

One constant that stood out like a neon light was how strongly workers from both the documentary and book wrapped their sense of identity and self-worth around their job; and thus they demanded more from them. As Terkel wrote, “Work is about a search for daily meaning as well as daily bread, for recognition as well as cash, for astonishment rather than torpor; in short, for a sort of life rather than a Monday through Friday sort of dying.” As recounted in the book, Mike LeFervre’s frustration with pouring into his job at the steel mill without getting anything back parallels hauntingly to Randi of the Netflix documentary, who opts for lower wages to have a job with meaning and impact.

A significant piece left dangling in these stories is how these workers deserve more and how we, as a society, can do better for them. You shouldn’t have to choose between helping the community and putting food on the table. A job where you are entrusted to take care of the most vulnerable of people should not pay $9 an hour, and you should not have to disassociate from your body to get through the day. Everyone deserves to live a full life, one where their heart swells with the respect that is felt at home and at work. We are proud to help rework the Bay Area economy into a place where workers get a little more out of clocking in.

With admiration,

Janelle, Brianna, + Rob

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August is a significant month for commemorating resilience, strength, and community power. We celebrate Black August in uplifting freedom fighters contending with the prison industrial complex, as well as rejoice in community power building during Black Philanthropy Month. Black August teaches us that autonomy over one’s life is a fundamental human right and must be treated as such, while Black Philanthropy Month is proof that when we work in solidarity, our reach is that much greater. At ReWork the Bay, we know it’s possible to rebuild the Bay Area economy so that it serves everyone. We move towards achieving this every day. And, through observing and educating ourselves about Black August and Black Philanthropy Month, we embrace a core truth about this work:

We cannot accomplish this mission without the community. The communities we serve must be centered and have complete autonomy in decision-making. Otherwise, we are just taking pretty pictures.

Philanthropy is such a powerful tool in advancing equity. However, just like any tool, it works best when used efficiently. The most efficient use of philanthropic dollars is building community power and funding community-led initiatives. Unfortunately, much of today’s philanthropy misses the mark by supporting projects built in silos, far away from the problems and the real people they affect. I am proud to work for an organization that recognizes and actively seeks to correct these issues within today’s philanthropy. At ReWork the Bay, we unite leaders in economic justice, education and training, business, and philanthropy to advance collective solutions for a diverse and equitable Bay Area. Several leaders of the organizations on the Equity at Work Council have rich lived experiences that inform their philanthropic work, including Jeffery Wallace of LeadersUp, Kaiton Williams of Impact America Fund, Zima Creason of California EDGE Coalition, Terah Lawyer-Harper of CROP Organization, and Dr. Carole Dorham-Kelly of Rubicon Programs. These leaders are members of the communities they serve and, as such, build innovative and effective solutions that center the people, not the projects.

Join us in learning more about the work of Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland, founder of Black Philanthropy Month, and the life of George Jackson, community activist who served as the inspiration for Black August. Their efforts encourage and motivate us to continue to work toward a future where everyone has agency and dignity in their work, home, and communities.

In solidarity,
Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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