California Labor Policy Strategies

In this strategy discussion with the California Federation of Labor Unions, Organizing Director Guillermo “Memo” Durgin and Legislative Advocate Ivan Fernández will discuss the ways in which California labor moves legislation to support union organizing campaigns, both past legislation as well as current priorities. Participants will hear concrete examples of legislation to support union organizing and how unions have used these policies to support union organizing. In addition, participants will be able to share examples of current organizing challenges, offer ideas about legislative solutions and discuss strategies that researchers and worker advocates can use to help pass these legislative ideas, given the current political climate. Prepare to discuss all of these topics in the session.

Ivan Fernández is the Legislative Advocate for the California Federation of Labor Unions. Prior to joining the Federation, Ivan worked as a Legislative Aide in the California State Assembly. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of California Riverside, and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Government and Policy from California State University Sacramento.

Guillermo “Memo” Durgin is the Organizing Director for the California Federation of Labor Unions. Prior to joining the Federation, Memo worked as a union organizer for twenty-five years with multiple unions, representing teachers, state workers and janitors. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies from the University of California Davis, and completed a master’s program in Ethnic Studies at California State University Sacramento.