CNA, political activist, union organizer and great-grandmother -- these are just a few ways to describe Blanche Norwood. Currently, she's working with her union, 1199SEIU, as a member political organizer (MPO) to help get out the vote for the November 3 election. She's a seasoned MPO who has helped to mobilize voters for several big elections in the past including President Barack Obama, Vice President Al Gore and Attorney General Janet Reno. Over the years she's seen and learned a lot. But she says the 2020 election is like no other because the stakes are so high. Read More
She does it willingly, a responsibility she sees as vitally important, and it is worth a moment on a holiday meant to honor working people to consider the scope of her work. Read More
Legendary graphic designer Milton Glaser, who passed away June 26 – his 91st birthday – played a major role in the cultural life of 1199. Read More
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, caregivers have been lauded from all quarters as the heroes saving our country. But when it comes to the
recognition pay workers deserve for manning the front lines during the pandemic, generosity dries up. Read More
MAITLAND, Fla. – Employees of Florida’s largest nursing home company are protesting dangerous work conditions a day after Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted restrictions on visitations to long-term care facilities. Read More
Every year, the1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF) holds a Recognition Ceremony to honor 1199ers who completed a degree, certificate, or skill-building program. The event is a yearly highlight and moment of unabashed pride and joy. Though COVID-19 denied this year’s 2,000 graduates their moment of communal joy, there was still plenty of pride to go around. Read More
As COVID-19 engulfed New York City, hospitals and healthcare workers became both beacons of hope and ground zero for COVID’s ravages. Caregivers battling the largest public health disaster in modern American history also struggled to protect their own health, provide for their families and care for their patients. Read More
1199SEIU announced via social media on July 17 the union’s participation in a boycott of Latin foods giant Goya Foods. During a July 9 appearance at the White House, Goya President Bob Unanue praised Donald Trump and characterized the United States as “blessed” to have Mr. Trump as its leader. The response to Unanue’s compliment was swift and severe, with a social media-driven, organized boycott
movement springing up with the hashtags #BoycottGoya and #Goyaway. The action quickly drew high profile supporters, including famed playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who represents a heavily Latinx district that spans the Bronx and Queens. Read More
Florida 1199ers at hospital operated by the healthcare giant Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) made major strides in July when HCA
agreed to a three-month contract extension. Read More
1199ers joined thousands of workers in 25 cities across the U.S. on July 20 for a national Strike for Black Lives. Read More
It’s the end of summer. For many of us, we’d normally be planning for back to school, coordinating camp pickups, or headed to cookouts or family reunions—maybe even a last-minute getaway and a few days of rest. Read More
Our 1199SEIU Executive Committee has endorsed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to become the next President and Vice President of the United States. This should come as no surprise to any 1199 member. Read More
Press statement in response to proposed layoffs Read More
Are you a member of the 1199SEIU Federal Credit Union? It’s vital to keep your share accounts with the credit union active. New York State law requires that all financial institutions report any account that is considered dormant or inactive, and turn them over as abandoned property. Any account that has been without activity for three years is considered inactive. We are required by law to publish this list of dormant account holders. A report of these unclaimed funds will also be sent to the New York State Comptroller. Read More
COVID-19 has changed every aspect of our lives, and our political activism is no different. 1199ers are more than prepared to pivot and embrace new methods of communicating, mobilizing, and organizing to help elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Read More
Florida's August 18 primary was notable for several reasons. Despite the pandemic, nearly 4 million Floridians voted in the primary -- the highest turnout since the 2002 primary. More than 2 million people voted by mail - an increase of nearly 72% since 2016. 1199SEIU endorsed candidates did extremely well. A whopping 92% of 1199SEIU endorsed candidates won! About half of these candidates ran unopposed so they have already won their seats. The other half will move on to the general election on November 3, 2020. Read More
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Their final breaths are tormented. Rublas Ruiz has seen too many of them -- the last gasps of 17 men and women who died of the coronavirus. Read More
New York, NY - George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU, today released the following statement regarding the reopening of New York City’s schools after months of remote learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic: Read More
Maryland’s essential workers deserve pandemic protections! Read More
