Board holds Committee of the Whole on Felton Institute labor dispute after multiple NLRB charges; workers and union allege union‑busting

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors convened a Committee of the Whole on April 25 to hear testimony about labor disputes at the Felton Institute, a nonprofit contractor that receives significant city funding. The board scheduled the hearing by an 11‑0 roll call and then heard sworn testimony and public comment detailing claims that Felton interfered with workers’ efforts to unionize and failed to bargain in good faith.

The hearing was called after supervisors and SEIU Local 1021 representatives said the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) found merit in multiple unfair labor practice charges filed against Felton. SEIU Local 1021 President Theresa Rutherford told the board that Felton engaged in “harassment, lies, and unfair labor practices,” including calling police on pickets, paying staff to drop out of union activity and other conduct she said violates a signed neutrality agreement. Worker Ayla Lorraine described prolonged understaffing and retaliation, saying she had been threatened with police calls and had difficulties obtaining medical leave after union activity.

Felton represe…