I love the idea of having power—power to change the path of healthcare. I am determined to inspire others to feel the same as me. The Union has given me this power. Sheila Saunders
Unite Secretary
Greater Baltimore Medical Center
Towson, MD |
I have worked for Partners in Care as a home health aide for almost one year but have worked as a home health aide at another agency. I enjoy working for the clients that I am assigned to but one thing that should change is giving more money because we work hard in our field. I am currently working at $7.50 per hour and would like to get an upgrade to at least $9.00 per hour or more. We need better benefits since we have to have at least 120 hours accumulated in order to maintain our benefits. Thanks for reading and letting me voice my opinion. Maria Silva
Home health aide
Partners in Care
NYC |
Thank you for sending out this information. I have been a per diem R.N. for a geriatric facility and then 1199SEIU took over this summer. I have been requesting info about the contract ever since but the representative at the facility has not given any to me. I hope you keep informing me of the activities. Thanks again!! Joy Fletcher
Per diem RN
Menorah Home and Hospital
Brooklyn, NY |
Being a member in 1199SEIU (formerly Local2020 Massachusetts) is rewarding. I have been a steward (Delegate) for about 17 years and have had many positive experiences. The Union is powerful because of its members and their strength. Because of our numbers, management must listen to us and treat us fairly and as equals. The members fight hard to have a fair contract which is just a book of rules that EVERYONE has agreed to follow. Cindy Bird
Unit secretary
North Adams Regional Hospital
North Adams, MA |
The one thing I really appreciate most about being an 1199SEIU member is the opportunity given to us to get involve into critical issues concerning us, e.g. to advocate collectively and politically. Rafael Mendez
Maintenance mechanic
Mt. Sinai Hospital
NYC |
Best thing about 1199SEIU - Using the power of our numbers to improve the lives of working people and their families. Not so good - Voice of rank and file members and front line staff (often former rank and file)gets lost in the process of exercising that power. We've become not decision makers, but troops in the battle. We need to improve our structure and practices so that we have both power and democracy in our union. Karen Wheeler
Clinical engineer
Boston Medical Center
Boston |
At the hospital where I work, our lead Organizer is great, but he need an assistant to help. We do not have representation for the Nursing Attendants body in this hospital. We wish everyday that this could change. We need someone reliable, honest, trustworthy, someone who will get the job done. Every employee is crying out for this help… I do not want to be seen as the bad egg, but I do speak for majority of the NA employees who basically feel the same way I do. I am not here to fight against anyone. Thank you. There is one other thing I wish you could change: For those hard-working mothers who are in school, especially nursing school, there should be a way in which we could go to school fulltime, still get paid and then work something out to repay the Union. I wish I could do that, or get a scholarship or something. We single mothers need help. Verona Joseph
CNA
Columbia Presbyterian Hospital
NYC |
I think so far the best thing is the way the CUNY vouchers are handed out [by the Training Fund]. The staff makes everything so easy (although answering phones needs improvement). Something that really needs improvement is the [Benefit Fund] directory of available providers. A lot of times the providers listed on the website are no longer taking 1199 or do not participate in the network anymore. What I hate the most is when you are told to go to the emergency room because your provider is not available due to vacation or overbooking of appointments with other patients. So I guess more providers would be nice--especially on the weekends. Juan Alonzo
Paralegal
Legal Aid Society
NYC |
