It is appropriate, although coincidence, that the 1199SEIU Retirees Division launched a new Hudson Valley New York Chapter in May, the month we celebrate Older Americans Month, National Nurses Week and Mother’s Day. Retiree’s Division President Lena Hayes said, “May offers the perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for our seniors and retirees, as well as for our nurses, many of whom are, of course, also mothers.”

Hundreds of Metropolitan New York area homecare members began picketing homecare agencies in April to protest the arbitrary termination of contractual benefits by those agencies.

On May 1, millions of people across the world took to the streets, calling attention to social and economic inequality and corporate greed. For over a century, May 1 has been known as May Day or International Workers Day—a time when working people unite and raise their voices above corporate noise.

On Tuesday, April 17th, 1199SEIU, SEIU Local 200 United, and other community allies hosted a dodge ball game in Syracuse’s Clinton Square between Team 99% and the wealthy 1%. The action was intended to remind taxpayers about who are paying taxes, and who are dodging their fair share.