The world mourns the loss of the great Nelson Mandela, as it has not mourned another human being since perhaps our own Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In uptown Manhattan on December 5, over 500 caregivers and nurses rallied for quality care at New York Presbyterian Hospital and spoke out against corporate healthcare profiteers. Protesters received a surprise visit from actor and activist, Danny Glover, and were joined by elected leaders, including Public Advocate-elect Letitia “Tish” James.

An audible gasp spread through a crowd of movers and shakers as the death of Nelson Mandela was announced at a memorial service honoring veteran political consultant Bill Lynch.

1199 members and members from the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists- Buffalo Chapter participated in a Black Friday demonstration outside of Walmart in Cheektawaga, NY. Activists were able to pass out over 500 leaflets spreading the word on how Walmart mistreats its workers, before management called the police.

"As healthcare workers in some of the most diverse places in America, we at 1199SEIU are proud to be a part of a nation that thrives through the energy and hard work of immigrants. Some of us are immigrants who came here in order to make a better life for ourselves and our families. Many nurses and caregivers are immigrants, and our country needs these dedicated workers in order to offer culturally competent, quality care to all. Yet, every day, immigrant families who have been contributing to our country for years are torn apart by cruel and outdated laws.