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Most 1199 members choose to work in health care because we enjoy taking care of others. But far too often, employers put financial considerations before patient care. Therefore, as health care providers and as union members, we must be advocates for ourselves and our patients & clients.
Here’s a few examples of victories we have won as a union that have enhanced our ability to provide quality care and services:
- [LIST of a few concrete victories that have a DIRECT impact on patient care]
Our power to win improvements (and protect against bad management decisions) comes from our strength in numbers and our willingness to take action — both at work, in the halls of government, and in the public eye.
At work, we push management to deal with our concerns by collecting petitions, organizing mass meetings and rallies, and holding public demonstrations.
The governor and state lawmakers also make many of the decisions that affect our programs, quality-of-care standards, wages and working conditions. So 1199ers are always building our political power so we can influence these politicians’ actions.
Members keep pressure on the State Capitol by packing hearing rooms to testify, lobbying elected officials directly, and generating phone calls.
We educate the public by distributing educational flyers, airing TV/radio ads, and holding news events with family members, community leaders, and clients.