5 20-0336 Subject: Salary Ordinance Amendment For Director Of Workplace & Employment Standards
From: Human Resources Management Department
Recommendation: Adopt An Ordinance Amending The Salary Schedule Of Ordinance No. 12187 C.M.S. ("Salary Ordinance") To Add The Full-Time Classification Of Director Of Workplace And Employment Standards
I comment as workers' rights counsel for CWA Local 9415; Community Programs Director for the Afrikan Black Coalition; and an Oakland resident. Measure Z mandates establishment of the Dept. by July 1, 2020. The Director must have a history of worker advocacy; be well-versed in federal, state, and local laws; and be rooted in Oakland's diverse communities. A Director will be overseeing a Dept with a wide range of tasks including administrative adjudications that can then be appealed to civil court system. This position must be given full authority, resources, and a salary commensurate with the skill required and comparable to other Dept. heads. Oakland demands a Department that protects its most vulnerable workers and businesses deserve a level playing field where everyone follows the law. Workers’ rights are civil and human rights. I encourage you all to VOTE YES. Finally, I expect the City to involve and to engage labor & community champions in the Director selection process.
I comment as workers' rights counsel for CWA Local 9415; Community Programs Director for the Afrikan Black Coalition; and an Oakland resident. Measure Z mandates establishment of the Dept. by July 1, 2020. The Director must have a history of worker advocacy; be well-versed in federal, state, and local laws; and be rooted in Oakland's diverse communities. A Director will be overseeing a Dept with a wide range of tasks including administrative adjudications that can then be appealed to civil court system. This position must be given full authority, resources, and a salary commensurate with the skill required and comparable to other Dept. heads. Oakland demands a Department that protects its most vulnerable workers and businesses deserve a level playing field where everyone follows the law. Workers’ rights are civil and human rights. I encourage you all to VOTE YES. Finally, I expect the City to involve and to engage labor & community champions in the Director selection process.
An effective department needs a leadership position to coordinate effective implementation of standards.