Healthcare Workers at Baptist Nursing Home in Scotia to Hold Informational Picket on Wednesday

June 28, 2017

Contact: Mindy Berman, 518.229.0486

Where: Baptist Health Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

297 Ballston Rd, Scotia, NY

When: Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Picket--2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Media Avail--3:15 p.m.

Traveling Mobile Billboard—noon-8 p.m.

Background: For almost 3 years, 1199 members at Baptist Nursing Home have been speaking out about frequent turnover, safe staffing and its connection to quality care. Despite constant obstacles and challenges from the employer, the workers have done everything possible to negotiate a contract that will provide livable wages, affordable benefits and a fair workplace, which will help reduce turnover, ease short-staffing, and as a result improve continuity and overall quality care.

At this point, if these issues are not addressed immediately, 1199SEIU members expect the situation will get worse. In just the first 17 weeks of 2017, twenty-seven members of the 1199 bargaining unit left. That's a problem of crisis proportion when our frail and elderly residents count on continuity of care for their quality of life, their health and well-being.

The families of the residents understand the issues that the 1199ers are bringing to light, and support their efforts. Mark Robinson’s father is a resident at Baptist Nursing Home. “The caregivers are my father’s lifeline. All the residents count on their care and their touch. I support the caregivers in every way, so they can continue to do the excellent work that they do.”

xxxx


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.