On July 8, Union Representative Matthew Mullany thanked the Alameda County Board of Supervisors for their support of St. Rose Hospital when they voted to grant the struggling facility $15 million. The vote comes after a yearlong push by Teamsters 856 to secure much-needed funding for the fiscally ailing hospital.

(L-R) St. Rose Steward Justin Kmetz, Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle, and St. Rose Steward and 856 Trustee Judy Rodrigues.

Principal Officer Peter Finn, Political Director Trish Suzuki, Shop Stewards Judy Rodrigues and Justin Kmetz, along with Mullany carried out a comprehensive political strategy to make certain that the Board would approve the expenditure.

The team attended public meetings to speak on behalf of the Teamster workers at St. Rose Hospital, had numerous strategy meetings with individual County Supervisors to discuss how the money would help keep St. Rose Hospital’s doors open, worked in coordination with St. Rose Hospital and the County Health Department, and helped get Measure AA passed this past June.

It was not only political persistence, but it was also about actively campaigning to elect Teamster-friendly officials, such as Supervisor Richard Valle, who is a driving force in securing funding for the hospital.

The money will be distributed throughout the fiscal year from the County, State, and Federal Government, along with Measure AA funding that is already allocated for St. Rose Hospital.

“This is a prime example of why it is essential for Teamsters 856 members to remain politically active,” said Finn.  “Because of the efforts of the political action team, St. Rose Hospital will be able to continue its important mission of serving the health needs of the community,” he said.