On July 27th, 48 lab workers at Health Quest voted to join with 1199. The lab, which is located inside Vassar Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY, had been outsourced to Health Quest. Therefore, the workers were not included in the bargaining units originally organized at Vassar. With this victory, the lab workers join their colleagues at Vassar Hospital as 1199 members.
Workers at Health Quest decided to join due to a variety of issues ranging from job security, staffing, and benefits. Lydia Rivera, a phlebotomist says “I’m paying $300 per month for medical benefits. Co-pays are $30 per visit. As a former 1199 member, I know what 1199 has to offer and I’m looking forward to affordable healthcare.” Lydia states that she’s also getting closer to retirement and having already invested 18 years as an 1199 member, she is looking forward to completing the pension so she can have a more stable retirement.
Dana Johnson, a phlebotomist who works the night shift is concerned with the lack of staffing during her shift. She feels more confident asserting their staffing needs now that 1199 is in the picture. “Now that 1199 is going to bat for us it makes me want to come to work instead of sulking around not dealing with the low staffing and unfairness.” Dana is also looking forward to having better educational benefits. “I want to go back to school, and I have friends in 1199 so I know it’s a great union that offers great educational benefits.”