The following statement is from SEIU 721 Vice President Bob Schoonover: 

We are responding immediately to questions raised by members and reported in the Los Angeles Times about past financial decisions. Financial transparency is a core value of Local 721.

It is the Local's understanding that the International union has taken jurisdiction over these allegations and questions.

SEIU 721 will cooperate fully with the International's review. President Annelle Grajeda has decided to take a voluntary leave of absence to rule out any questions about the thoroughness and transparency of the union's actions to review and respond to these allegations and questions.

SEIU has a history of open governance that reflects the central values of public service: responsiveness to the residents we serve and the members we represent. Our Local will work with the International to ensure that our actions in response to these issues are in full accord with these values.