About 1199NE

New England’s Health Care Workers Union

Who we are, where we came from, and how to reach us.

About 1199NE

SEIU Healthcare 1199NE is New England’s largest health care workers union. We represent 32,000+ nurses, direct care workers, certified nursing assistants, cooks, case managers, therapists, physicians, maintenance workers, and home care workers across Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Our members show up every day to heal and care for New England — in hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers, group homes, and people’s own homes. Through collective action, we fight for the wages, benefits, and working conditions our members deserve, and for the policies that protect the patients and communities we serve.

1199NE is a proud affiliate of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), one of the largest and most powerful unions in North America.

If you are a member, the best way to learn more about 1199 is to get involved at your workplace.

Our History

District 1199 was established in 1932 by drugstore workers in New York City. From its earliest days the union stood for more than wages — members quickly mobilized to end drugstores’ discrimination against hiring Black pharmacists, accomplishing that goal within seven weeks of organizing.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaking at a 1199 event

“1199 is my favorite union.”

— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1968, the New England branch was established, bringing 1199’s organizing model and democratic values to Connecticut and Rhode Island. Over the decades, 1199NE members have built one of the most powerful health care worker unions in the region.

Through collective bargaining, our members have secured:

  • Wage increases and fair pay
  • Healthcare coverage for members and families
  • Negotiated union contracts with real protections
  • Worker participation in decisions affecting patient care
  • Democratic governance with member-elected leadership
  • On-the-job support and dispute resolution
  • Community advocacy and political power

Today, our 32,000+ members include nurses, direct care workers, CNAs, cooks, case managers, therapists, physicians, maintenance staff, and home care workers — the full spectrum of people who make health care possible in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Meet Our Officers

1199NE’s elected officers help guide the union’s long-term direction and oversee its day-to-day operations. Working with the rank-and-file Executive Board, they help develop the union’s priorities, policies, campaigns, and budget.

1199NE members elect the union’s officers and elected organizers every three years.

District-Wide Officers
Rob Baril
Rob Baril
President
View Bio ↗
SC
Suzanne Clark
Secretary-Treasurer
JM
Jesse Martin
Executive Vice President, RI
Elected Vice Presidents
Avery Pittman
Vice President
Dawna Bernier
Vice President
Diedre Murch
Vice President
Katie Traber
Vice President
Lydia Robins
Vice President
Natasha Royal
Vice President
Rebecca Simonsen
Vice President
Stephanie Deceus
Vice President
Elected CT Organizers
Allison Jones
CT Organizer
Arnold Nicholson
CT Organizer
Efia Alcid
CT Organizer
Kelsey Martin
CT Organizer
Laurie Novak
CT Organizer
Merinda Brown-Williams
CT Organizer
Margaret Rose Folsom
CT Organizer
Zina Jeffreys
CT Organizer
Elected RI Organizers
Alex Moore
RI Organizer
Mary-Murphy Walsh
RI Organizer
Contact Us

Reach us at either of our regional offices. For member questions, organizing inquiries, or media requests, we’re here to help.

Connecticut
SEIU Healthcare 1199NE
Rhode Island
SEIU Healthcare 1199NE

If you are looking for 1199 in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland/DC, or Florida, please click here. If you are looking for 1199 in Pennsylvania, please click here.

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