Members at Baltimore’s Fayette Health and Rehabilitation Center in September won a strong contract, even as they faced COVID-19 challenges.

1199SEIU represents some 60 members at Fayette, including GNAs, EVS, Unit Clerks, Maintenance, Central Sterile Supply, and Rehab Aids.

Workers won adding Transportation to Fayette’s Union Recognition Agreement. They also added several classifications to the institution’s wage chart, which will provide more than half the 1199ers at Fayette with raises of between 9-11%. The bargaining committee also won 3.5% increase to start rates and an overall wage increase of a 12% over life of the three-year agreement “I’m most proud of that we got a salary increase in that contract,” said bargaining committee member Jaqueline Robinson. “Our organizers went to bat [for us], and we all did not give up. We fought until the end. We even threatened to strike. It was amazing. And they gave in.”

Members also won regular workday language, so management can no longer schedule any full-time or part-time workers for a 4-hour workday. In addition, Juneteenth was added to their holiday calendar.

Robinson the victory took a lot of work, solidarity, and collective vision. “Don’t give up! Stick together,” she advises. “Stay on those phone calls, and remember that you all deserve better, and you can get it. Fight for what you believe in!”

- 1199 Magazine - September / October 2020