"We can’t afford to go to the doctor when we get sick—that’s not good for the residents!”
Where: Northern Riverview Healthcare Center, 87 South Route 9W, Haverstraw, NY
When: Tuesday, November 24 at 3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Interviews and photo opportunities available on site
LPN’s at Northern Riverview Healthcare Center in Haverstraw, Rockland County, have been trying to negotiate their first collective bargaining with the nursing home’s management since April, to no avail. At issue is the employer’s proposal for health benefits, which includes exhorbitant health insurance premiums that are not in line with wages earned.
At work, Rolland Alexander, an LPN, is responsible for the care of Rockland’s most frail and vulnerable population. At home, he is a husband and the father of 3 young children.
“I love my job—but I have to take care of myself and my family too,” he said. “The health insurance that the employer offers for families is $350 a week! What family can afford that? I have a lot of responsibilities and one of them is to be sure that when my children get sick, they get the medical care they need. Paying for health benefits uses up almost every dollar I earn.”
Alexander points out that the newly unionized LPNs should receive the same affordable health benefits provided in the 1199SEIU contract that covers certified nursing assistants (CNA’s) and service workers at Northern Riverview.
“It’s the same for anyone who works in a nursing home with vulnerable residents. If we can’t afford to go to the doctor when we are sick, that’s not good for the residents, and that’s just not good for anyone.”
The LPNs say that one of the reasons they became 1199 members is to be able to address one of their biggest concerns --- constant turnover of nursing staff.
“There is nothing unreasonable and everything right about the LPNs’ contract proposals,” said 1199SEIU Vice President Greg Speller. “It’s been proven time and again that collective bargaining agreements, which provide healthcare workers with decent wages and benefits, help to recruit and retain quality nursing home staff. Stabilizing turnover and allowing for continuity of care for residents is the right thing to do.”
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 400,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.`
Where: Northern Riverview Healthcare Center, 87 South Route 9W, Haverstraw, NY
When: Tuesday, November 24 at 3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Interviews and photo opportunities available on site
LPN’s at Northern Riverview Healthcare Center in Haverstraw, Rockland County, have been trying to negotiate their first collective bargaining with the nursing home’s management since April, to no avail. At issue is the employer’s proposal for health benefits, which includes exhorbitant health insurance premiums that are not in line with wages earned.
At work, Rolland Alexander, an LPN, is responsible for the care of Rockland’s most frail and vulnerable population. At home, he is a husband and the father of 3 young children.
“I love my job—but I have to take care of myself and my family too,” he said. “The health insurance that the employer offers for families is $350 a week! What family can afford that? I have a lot of responsibilities and one of them is to be sure that when my children get sick, they get the medical care they need. Paying for health benefits uses up almost every dollar I earn.”
Alexander points out that the newly unionized LPNs should receive the same affordable health benefits provided in the 1199SEIU contract that covers certified nursing assistants (CNA’s) and service workers at Northern Riverview.
“It’s the same for anyone who works in a nursing home with vulnerable residents. If we can’t afford to go to the doctor when we are sick, that’s not good for the residents, and that’s just not good for anyone.”
The LPNs say that one of the reasons they became 1199 members is to be able to address one of their biggest concerns --- constant turnover of nursing staff.
“There is nothing unreasonable and everything right about the LPNs’ contract proposals,” said 1199SEIU Vice President Greg Speller. “It’s been proven time and again that collective bargaining agreements, which provide healthcare workers with decent wages and benefits, help to recruit and retain quality nursing home staff. Stabilizing turnover and allowing for continuity of care for residents is the right thing to do.”
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 400,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.`
