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Board urges Monster Cable to negotiate severance and support laid-off Brisbane workers
Summary
The Board adopted a resolution urging Monster Cable Inc. to offer a fair severance package and support services for more than 120 laid-off workers from its Brisbane facility, after supervisors and affected workers described outreach and re-employment efforts.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a resolution urging Monster Cable Inc. to provide a fair severance package, health benefits and other assistance to more than 120 employees laid off at the company’s Brisbane facility.
Why it matters: supervisors framed the resolution as a labor and economic-justice measure for workers affected by outsourcing and corporate restructuring. Several supervisors said the company’s local ties — including naming rights to the city’s stadium — increase its responsibility to the community.
Debate and testimony: Supervisor McGoldrick and others described outreach the city has done to find jobs for displaced workers and pressed the company’s leadership to meet with employees. The board also received a letter from Noel Lee, Monster’s founder, criticizing the resolution and warning of reputational harm; supervisors replied that the board’s goal was to seek constructive solutions.
Points of contention: some supervisors objected to specific dollar amounts and benefits urged by the resolution, questioning whether a private company should be urged to match or exceed benefits the city provides its own displaced workers. Supervisor Ellsborg (sic in transcript) said urging a private company to provide $2 million for a workers’ fund and a year of health and dental could exceed municipal practices.
Action: the resolution was adopted; supervisors said they would continue outreach to find re-employment opportunities and encouraged the company to meet with affected workers and city employment agencies.
Ending: supporters said the resolution was intended to encourage engagement and practical assistance for displaced workers rather than to punish the employer. Several supervisors said their offices would keep working on job-placement and transitional assistance through city workforce programs.
