The City is beginning the process of hiring a new Director for the San José Animal Care Center. This is a moment of real consequence—not just for animal welfare, but for every single worker in the building. The decisions made in the next few weeks will shape the direction of the shelter for years to come.

That’s why we need to speak up.

MEF-AFSCME Local 101 has launched an anonymous survey for current ACS staff to gather your input on what kind of leadership this shelter truly needs. Your responses will guide the union’s conversations with City leadership and help ensure that your voice is part of the hiring process.

🔗 Click here to take the anonymous survey
📄 Read the union’s letter to the City Manager about the hiring panel

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth—the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is a celebration of Black liberation and a sobering reminder that justice delayed is justice denied.

For labor, Juneteenth calls us to reflect on our shared struggle. The labor movement and the civil rights movement are deeply

We’re excited to share that AFSCME-endorsed candidate Gabby Chavez-Lopez has emerged as the top vote-getter in the San Jose District 3 special election with over 2700 hundred votes, 700 more than her second place of the vote, Gabby has secured a commanding first-place finish and is advancing to the June 24th runoff election for this crucial city council seat.

Gabby’s campaign — powered by grassroots energy and community connection — beat back over $800,000 in political spending from PACs and special interests, many backing her opponents. Despite the flood of outside money, her message of equity, affordable housing, and accountable government resonated deeply with voters.

Her closest competitor? That’s still undecided. Just a few votes separate Mayor Mahan’s handpicked candidate Matthew Quevedo from Planning Commission Chair Anthony Tordillos — a razor-thin margin that may trigger a recount.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for city workers. The Dist….