The UNITE HERE Local 11 machine is working hard to gather signatures to prevent City Council from making any future changes to the minimum wage, worker ordinance, or the city’s rules on short-term rentals. Approximately 40 canvassers hit the streets daily, working 8-hour shifts. Pay rates begin at $20 per hour, and they employ both union members and independent contractors.
Each canvasser has a daily signature quota. One mentioned a target of 9 signatures per day, while another said 10 signatures were required. With around 40 canvassers in the field, they are nearing their goal of 4,000 signatures.
If enough signatures are gathered, the measure will be placed on the November ballot for West Hollywood residents to approve or deny.
One canvasser disclosed that they’ve heard the total signature count is around 2,600.
Two Sundays ago, the operation was cut short due to the heat, and at least one person was taken to Kaiser for observation. All the canvassers carry bags with water and other materials. Workers’ phones are equipped with PDI (Political Data Inc.), which provides the most up-to-date technology. Cell phones also record the names and addresses of homes with yard signs. The operation is a sophisticated machine right in our own backyard.
Workers follow a script that promotes Mayor John Erickson and candidate Danny Hang as pro-worker and pro-renter. The script also includes language describing Larry Block, George Nickle, and Jordan Cockeram as anti-worker and anti-renter.
One canvasser, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, asked about the minimum wage laws and was confused when I clarified both George Nickle’s and my own position. The worker disagreed with the petition’s stance on short-term rentals, saying homeowners should be “able to do what they want.” Another canvasser, a very good-looking young man, asked to see my door hanger to “see what’s out there.” All the canvassers were very friendly.
Some residents were hostile, blaming the canvassers for “all the empty storefronts,” but many residents were unaware of a pending election or who the candidates were. The UNITE HERE Local 11 union is spending over $30,000 on canvassing efforts, walking door to door to promote its candidates, disparage others, and solidify their control of City Council.
