GeoPay Task Force Presents and Releases Report 

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Our fight for economic justice continues as we set the stage for contract negotiations. 

On February 27, our GeoPay Task Force presented the acting director of CalHR and a team of state representatives with an in-depth report recommending solutions to the economic challenges many state workers face caused by the high cost of living in the communities they live and work in throughout the state of California.

What does the report illustrate?

The report illustrates the impact of the regionally-variable challenges relating to cost and access to affordable housing, transportation, commute, child care, health care, as well as comparable wages. 

“This report is a powerful catalyst we can build upon to make real economic progress for our members as we continue to build the leverage and power we need to make change, ” said Yvonne R. Walker, Local 1000 President.

This was more than a year in the making. The GeoPay Task Force – comprised of six Local 1000 members from across the state – created the report after a dozen meetings in collaboration with six different state agencies, including CalHR. Our member leaders led the way by bringing relevant research and member stories to the discussions with the state and to the drafting of the report. 

Personal Stories

“Personal stories of financial hardship provided by nearly 250 different members made the report come to life,” said President Walker. “Their real life experiences informed our presentation with the context necessary to support fair geographic compensation for all.” 

In two dozen bargaining Town Halls across the state, members will have an opportunity to discuss their priorities – including GeoPay – as we prepare to bargain a new contract. At the same time, we continue to collect personal stories at seiu1000.org/geostory