2023: Jim Desmond Cast The Lone Vote Against Reviewing A Contract For Janitorial Workers Who Described Mistreatment And Unfair Working Conditions

February 2023: Desmond Cast The Lone Vote Against Reviewing A Contract For Janitorial Workers

February 2023: Desmond Cast The Lone Vote Against Reviewing A Contract For Janitorial Workers. “San Diego County government officials will review a contract for janitorial services workers in the Administration Center, Waterfront Park and Cedar Kettner parking structure, a spokesman for Supervisor Nora Vargas said Wednesday. Supervisors on Tuesday voted 4-1 to review the current janitorial, landscaping and security contract. […] Supervisor Jim Desmond cast the lone ‘no’ vote on Vargas’ proposal. He explained that while no employee should be exploited, long-term costs were a concern.” [Times of San Diego, 2/8/23]

Supervisor Nora Vargas Proposed Reviewing A Contract For Janitorial Workers In The Administration Building, Waterfront Park, And Cedar Kettner Parking Structure. “San Diego County government officials will review a contract for janitorial services workers in the Administration Center, Waterfront Park and Cedar Kettner parking structure, a spokesman for Supervisor Nora Vargas said Wednesday. Supervisors on Tuesday voted 4-1 to review the current janitorial, landscaping and security contract. According to Vargas’ office, the county Department of Purchasing and Contracting will move forward with a request for proposals under a new contracting policy.” [Times of San Diego, 2/8/23]

• Supervisor Vargas: “Our County And I Are Committed To Creating A Safe And Healthy Environment For All Our Workers And We Expect Our Contractors To Do The Same.” “‘Our county and I are committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all our workers and we expect our contractors to do the same,’ Vargas said. ‘They have sacrificed a lot over the last few years, and we need to ensure they have safe working conditions and are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.’” [Times of San Diego, 2/8/23]

Desmond’s Vote Came After Janitors Told County Supervisors About Mistreatment And Unfair Working Conditions

February 2023: Times Of San Diego: “Janitors During A Tuesday Public Hearing Told County Supervisors About What They Called Mistreatment And Unfair Working Conditions.” “Janitors during a Tuesday public hearing told county supervisors about what they called mistreatment and unfair working conditions. One woman said what she earns is not enough and she has no insurance. The woman added that she had to take a second job, which led to her becoming disabled.” [Times of San Diego, 2/8/23]

January 23, 2023: Janitors Engaged In A Work Stoppage After Saying A Worker Was Wrongfully Discharged. “On Jan. 23, janitors engaged in a work stoppage against Nova Commercial Company, claiming a worker was wrongfully discharged, according to Vargas’ office. ‘Now, the county will explore opportunities for terminating, amending or enhancing the current contract in place,’ said Vargas, Board of Supervisors chair.” [Times of San Diego, 2/8/23]

The Janitors Were Trying To Join The SEIU-United Service Workers West Union. “Christian Ramirez, an official with SEIU United Service Workers West, described the janitors’ speaking out as historic. He said female janitors were forced to endure ‘heinous conditions,’ but were able to get the attention of government leaders. The janitors are trying to join the SEIU-United Service Workers West union, KPBS reported. Dozens of others, many of them union activists, voiced their support for the workers.” [Times of San Diego, 2/8/23]

Desmond Defended His “No” Vote, Saying Revising Other Labor Contracts Could Cost Millions Of Dollars And Residents Had Other Priorities

Desmond Said Revising Other Labor Contracts Could Cost Up To $13.5 Million. “Supervisor Jim Desmond cast the lone ‘no’ vote on Vargas’ proposal. He explained that while no employee should be exploited, long-term costs were a concern. Desmond said revising other labor contracts could cost up to $13.5 million, and he has residents asking for road improvements and parks. The county has other pressing needs, such as improving its mental health care system, Desmond said, adding that contract changes may affect small businesses.” [Times of San Diego, 2/8/23]

Times Of San Diego: Desmond “Explained That While No Employee Should Be Exploited, Long-Term Costs Were A Concern.” “Supervisor Jim Desmond cast the lone ‘no’ vote on Vargas’ proposal. He explained that while no employee should be exploited, long-term costs were a concern. Desmond said revising other labor contracts could cost up to $13.5 million, and he has residents asking for road improvements and parks. The county has other pressing needs, such as improving its mental health care system, Desmond said, adding that contract changes may affect small businesses.” [Times of San Diego, 2/8/23]

Desmond Said He Had Residents Asking For Road Improvements And Parks. “Supervisor Jim Desmond cast the lone ‘no’ vote on Vargas’ proposal. He explained that while no employee should be exploited, long-term costs were a concern. Desmond said revising other labor contracts could cost up to $13.5 million, and he has residents asking for road improvements and parks. The county has other pressing needs, such as improving its mental health care system, Desmond said, adding that contract changes may affect small businesses.” [Times of San Diego, 2/8/23]

Desmond Said The County Had Other Pressing Needs Such As Improving Its Mental Health Care System. “The county has other pressing needs, such as improving its mental health care system, Desmond said, adding that contract changes may affect small businesses.” [Times of San Diego, 2/8/23]