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The union behind the failed Proposition 40 billionaire tax denied claims Monday that it retaliated against its own workers after they went on strike.
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The rift inside SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West comes after its nationally watched ballot measure came up short in the November election, with preliminary results Tuesday morning showing it winning 47% support.
Staff who work for SEIU-UHW have a union of their own, Staff Workers United Local 2599. Some 230 members of the union went on strike in leading up to Election Day. The workers were in the midst of contract negotiations and say SEIU-UHW management refuses to meet , including annual 5% raises and expanded health insurance for people who retire before age 62.
In an Instagram post Saturday, SWU-2599 accused SEIU-UHW of suspending five workers who participated in the strike for 30 to 45 days without pay. The union also said SEIU-UHW forced other staff into “captive audience meetings led by SEIU-UHW President Dave Regan and Chief of Staff Suzanne Jimenez to intimidate and instill fear into workers.” The post also accused SEIU-UHW of reassigning other strike participants into “forced work reassignments.”
“We will not be intimidated by SEIU-UHW’s illegal union-busting tactics,” the post said.
The five suspended workers launched an online fundraiser seeking $8,000 to offset their lack of pay. The campaign already raised nearly $12,000 as of Tuesday morning. In a detail first reported by Politico, some of the donations came from critics of Prop. 40. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California President Jodi Hicks, who appeared in ads against the measure, chipped in $1,000, while California Primary Care Association CEO Francisco Silva added another $250.
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Mario Bojorquez, an SEIU-UHW organizer who was one of the five suspended workers, set up the fundraiser.
“I believe these suspensions are retaliatory and have created real financial hardship for the workers involved and our families,” Bojorquez said in an email “At the same time, the response from fellow union members, labor allies, friends, family, and community supporters has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated.”
SEIU-UHW communications director Nathan Selzer said in a statement that the five suspensions were “solely related to violations of workplace policy” and that the reassignments were part of a post-election readjustment in operations to prepare for future campaigns.
“Our staff are essential to our members’ success, and we respect their legal right to bargain collectively through their union,” Selzer said. “Our focus is on getting a fair contract settled and we’re ready to resume negotiations.”
Regan is set to face a hearing next month before SEIU International, an umbrella organization that includes SEIU-UHW, focused on accusations that he intimidated and harassed female employees at the union. Regan told reporters in September that the claims were “absolutely and completely fabricated.” He characterized the leak of a report containing the claims as a political tactic designed to undermine Prop. 40.
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Regan could face disciplinary measures up to expulsion at the hearing.
This story was originally published November 10, 2026 at 10:40 AM.