On Wednesday this week, our Union Bargaining Team met with LIHI management and gave them our initial contract proposals.
Our proposal focused on wage increases that promote retention and recruitment of qualified staff. The proposed increases would help workers keep up with inflation and LIHI’s rapid growth, recognizing the important, difficult work we do to serve our community.
“Retention is not built on appreciation alone. It is built on sustainable wages. Respect for LIHI’s mission must include respect for the workers carrying that mission in the form of a living wage.”
– Brandon A., Bargaining Team Member and LIHI Case Manager
LIHI management took notes and asked us questions, but were not yet prepared to give their response. Our next bargaining session is scheduled for Friday, May 29.
We look forward to getting a response from management and keeping you updated as things progress!
In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team: Ashley Freeman, Maria Rodriguez, Brandon Ashford-Whitfield, Jeff Bauchman, Heather Mustafa, Thomas Arnone, Amirah Ziada and Tara Powell
QUESTIONS? CONTACT YOUR UNION REPS:
| TARA POWELL tara@opeiu8.org or (206) 441-8880 x106 | AMIRAH ZIADA amirah@opeiu8.org or (415) 439-9895 |
Message to OPEIU Local 8 represented at LIHI sent May 15, 2026