March is Women's History Month when we take time to reflect and honor women – from throughout our history up to today – who have helped pave the path toward a better future. We stand in solidarity with our sisters who continue to blaze the trail and keep up the fight for working women everywhere. Take a look at what 1199ers have been up to and are planning for this significant month ahead:

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Nashoba Valley Medical Center Technical Workers Join 1199

On Thursday, March 2, 85 technical workers at Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, MA joined 1199SEIU through a card check recognition process. Instead of a secret-ballot election, Nashoba Valley management agreed to recognize the technical employees as members of our union because an overwhelming majority of our new brothers and sisters signed authorization cards to join us. This is an exciting victory - congratulations to the Nashoba Valley Medical Center workers for uniting with coworkers in 1199! Together, we are stronger.

1199ers at Cape Cod Hospital Host Cultural Diversity Food Festival

Oxtail Stew, Gumbo, Mac n Cheese, Bulgarian food, Tiramisu and more! 1199ers at Cape Cod Hospital, along with Zion Union Heritage Museum, hosted a Cultural Diversity Food Festival on March 2 with a variety of different foods from different cultures – plus a steel drum and a great museum setting! Special shout out to members Bernard and Teresia for organizing this successful event.

Southeastern Massachusetts Members Rally to Protect Affordable Healthcare

On Saturday, February 25, 1199SEIU members from Southeastern Massachusetts rallied in Fall River to take a stand for affordable healthcare. With the looming threat of extremist politicians repealing the Affordable Care Act without a viable plan for replacement, we're continuing to make our voices heard for #CareNotChaos.

In Our Own Words: Watch 1199ers as We Continue Fighting for #CareNotChaos

1199 Responds to President Trump’s Address to Congress

In response to President Trump’s address to Congress this week, 1199SEIU Massachusetts Executive Vice President Tyrék D. Lee, Sr. issued the following statement:

“The agenda laid out by President Trump in his first Congressional address failed to mention or provide specifics on key issues affecting working families in Massachusetts such as healthcare, economic growth and rising income inequality. Repealing the Affordable Care Act without an adequate replacement would be disastrous for hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts’ residents – ripping coverage away, increasing costs and weakening insurance protections. Similarly, block granting Medicaid would jeopardize care for thousands of low-income families and threaten healthcare facilities and jobs. At the same time, the address continued a divisive approach to immigration – one that targets the diverse communities that have fueled Massachusetts and this nation for centuries.

The many actions and demonstrations across Massachusetts in recent weeks highlight the Commonwealth’s continued commitment to fighting for economic and social justice, and a democracy that represents everyone. We will continue to work with our community allies and elected leaders to advance the issues that help working people and ensure Massachusetts remains a thriving, welcoming place for all.

We are planning in-district meetings to discuss our issues agenda and legislative priorities with state legislators in the coming weeks. For more information and to attend a meeting near you, call the Political Action Department at 617-284-1199.