R-9 Correspondence – CLUE
From: Mary Duong [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2022 2:33 PM
To: Mayor <[email protected]>; Diana Tang <[email protected]>; Council District 1 <[email protected]>; Council District 2 <[email protected]>; Rahul Sen <[email protected]>; Council District 3 <[email protected]>; Jack Cunningham <[email protected]>; Council District 4 <[email protected]>; Council District 5 <[email protected]>; Council District 6 <[email protected]>; Chork Nim <[email protected]>; Council District 7 <[email protected]>; Celina Luna <[email protected]>; Council District 8 <[email protected]>; Lynette Johnson <[email protected]>; Council District 9 <[email protected]>; Matthew Hamlett <[email protected]>; Parker Houston <[email protected]>; CityClerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Long Beach's Recall and Retention Ordinances
-EXTERNAL-
Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council,
I hope this email finds you well.
Please see the attached letter from Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) in support of making Long Beach's Recall and Retention Ordinances permanent policies.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you!
--
Warmly,
Rev. Mary Duong, M.Div.
Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church of Maywood
Faith-Rooted Organizer
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Please note that I am not in the office on Fridays, so I will try to respond to you when I'm back on Mondays.
As CLUE, we educate, organize, and mobilize the faithcommunity to accompanyworkers and their families in their struggle for good jobs, dignity, and justice.
February 10, 2022
Honorable Mayor and City Council,
Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE, as a concerned communityorganization of hundreds of faith leaders across Los Angeles County, urges you to makeLong Beach’s Right of Recall and Retention ordinances permanent policies in our city.The pandemic has taught us that we are more connected than we realize. When we ensurethese important protections are in place for workers in future economic crises, we ensuresecurity and safety for our families and communities. The wellbeing of workers is thewellbeing of our city.
Long Beach led the nation in significant efforts of fighting COVID-19 andprotecting workers’ right to return to work after massive job loss at the start of thispandemic. We can continue showing other states and cities our resilience and the power ofcommunal care amidst crisis. Making Long Beach’s Right of Recall and Retentionpermanent policies is the right and forward-thinking step to build our city stronger andsafer for all.
You have witnessed how hospitality and janitorial workers have experienced one ofthe hardest hits during this pandemic. CLUE has been walking with these workers foryears in their struggles for good jobs and dignity. We also fought with them for the right toreturn to work after being laid off in 2020 on the city as well as state levels. We haveheard testimonies of how these policies have saved their livelihoods. As people of faith,we affirm the sacredness of every human being and the dignity of every labor. In theJewish and Christian sacred text, there is a promise for those who protect and advocate forthe vulnerable, “Those who pay close attention to the poor are truly happy! TheLORD rescues them during troubling times.” (Psalm 41:1)
As the Mayor and City Councilmembers, you have a sacred privilege andresponsibility to enact laws that create a more sacred and just society. By making LongBeach’s Right of Recall and Retention permanent policies, not only will you ensure justicefor vulnerable workers, but you will also make a positive impact on generations to come.The future of our children and our city depends on your courageous leadership today insecuring the livelihoods of our workers and families. May rich blessings come upon youas you listen to the voices of the vulnerable and advocate for equity for all.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me [email protected].
Sincerely,
Executive Director