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Janitors laid off by Twitter urge city enforcement of Displaced Worker law; supervisors back inquiry and employer compliance
Summary
After mass layoffs of janitorial staff at Twitter, dozens of workers and union representatives told the board they lost jobs and insurance overnight. The board adopted a resolution urging employers to comply with displaced-worker protections and said it will pursue enforcement options.
Dozens of janitors who worked at Twitter testified at the Board of Supervisors meeting Dec. 13 that they were let go with little or no notice and lost health and other benefits. The workers, represented by SEIU Local 87, said they were told their employment ended on Dec. 2 and that they faced immediate hardship, including loss of medical coverage.
Workers described being told of termination minutes before a shift ended, losing access to employer-provided insurance and facing holiday bills and family needs. "We had hoped to bring some happiness and be able to take our families out and bring some enjoyment. However, this year, we ask the supervisors from the bottom of our hearts to please support us," said one caller identified by a union interpreter.
Supervisor Asha Safai introduced and the board unanimously adopted a resolution calling on employers, including Twitter, to comply with the city's Displaced Worker Protection Act and other labor protections. The measure also urged transparency and for employers to offer placement and rehire options when facilities change operators. Several supervisors said they will pursue administrative enforcement tools and follow-up legislation to strengthen compliance mechanisms for displaced workers.
Why this matters: The layoffs affect dozens of low-wage workers and their families who face immediate loss of income and medical benefits. The city's Displaced Worker Protection Act requires certain notice and hiring preferences when contracts or property ownership change; enforcement and compliance are now the board's focus.
Discussion vs. decision: The board adopted a resolution urging compliance and signaled follow-up oversight and possible legislative remedies. The resolution does not itself impose penalties but directs departments to pursue enforcement and to consider administrative tools.
Ending: Supervisors and labor advocates said they will monitor employer compliance, pursue enforcement under existing law and develop additional remedies if necessary.
