Connecticut
Three West Hartford nursing homes vote with a resounding “Yes” to join 1199
Caregivers at Hebrew Senior Care in West Hartford voted unanimously 26-0 in favor of joining the New England Health Care Employees Union, District 1199, SEIU.
The workers at Hebrew Senior Care concluded their voting process this week.
“I’ve worked at the Hebrew Senior Care for 31 years. I would like to see everyone treated with respect,” said certified nursing assistant Mercell Dunn. “We need better wages and a better work environment so that we can take care of the residents the best we can. We need a voice on the job and job security.”
District 1199 represents roughly 6,000 nursing home workers and over 30% of nursing homes in Connecticut are in the union. But the advocacy of union caregivers for quality care, respect on the job, livable wages and benefits has a positive impact on 100% of the industry’s workforce.
“I am voting for 1199 because they believe in helping us achieve our goals: to have better insurance, to fight for a pension, to help us further our education, and to help our patients along the way,” said certified nursing assistant Andria Lyn.
The multiracial and multiethnic workforce overcame a vicious and outrageous antiunion campaign by the administration that attempted to divide workers using ethnicity.
“We are voting for a shift in power. We need more benefits, more respect, and a pension. We need a driving force to sustain our needs, including better pay,” said certified nursing assistant Tamara Benton.
Recent worker victories were also attained at Genesis HealthCare’s Reservoir in West Hartford with a pro union vote of 12-1 by licensed practical nurses, 31-0 by certified nursing assistants, and 10-2 by housekeeping and dietary staff.
The third West Hartford nursing home to join the union ranks recently is Hebrew Center, which is owned by National Health Care Associates Centers, with a vote of 110-31.
SEIU 1199 Union members have a long history of success fighting for health care workers’ rights and quality services for people in need. We advocate for living wages for all workers — black, brown and white — and adequate resources to do our jobs well. The Union represents 26,000 health care workers in Connecticut.
