1199 member leaders are mobilizing a political movement to reclaim and expand the rights of working people.

On the campaign trail, ahead of the 2024 elections, voters heard constant discussion about rising prices and the need to provide relief for working families. According to 1199 members interviewed for this story, many healthcare workers now believe that the needs of ordinary people have been overshadowed by policies that favor wealthy interests while healthcare costs continue to climb.

With the midterm elections approaching, 1199SEIU members are mobilizing around what they see as a defining moment for the future of healthcare, workers' rights, and democracy. The union has launched one of its most comprehensive political programs to encourage voter participation and community engagement.

When members organized to help elect President Obama in 2008, they saw the passage of the Affordable Care Act dramatically expand access to health insurance. Many 1199 members believe the current political moment requires a similar level of activism and organizing.

Last summer, members point to the passage of the so-called “Big Ugly Bill”, legislation they say shifted approximately $1 trillion away from healthcare spending over the next decade while providing tax benefits to the wealthiest Americans and expanding immigration enforcement measures. Union leaders argue that the consequences are already being felt through service reductions and healthcare facility cutbacks.

Healthcare Is On The Ballot

Kim Utech, an 1199 Delegate and Nurse Practitioner at Children's Hospital of Buffalo, warned about the potential impact of healthcare funding reductions on patients and providers.

“I am a healthcare voter, and I say hands off healthcare cuts. People don't realize what is coming. A trillion-ton freight train is about to crash into our healthcare system causing severe cuts and casualties to hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics where we have already seen closures.”

“Safety net programs designed to protect and help care for our most vulnerable patients, including people who are poor, elderly, young, disabled, veterans, immigrants, mentally ill, addicted, and homeless, will be destroyed.”

For many members, political participation is not simply about supporting candidates. It is about defending the programs and services that healthcare workers and patients depend upon every day.

Being Part of the Change

Traemani Taylor, a Medical Secretary at NYU Hospital's Fink Center in Manhattan and a third-generation union member, emphasized the importance of turning concerns into action.

“I was raised in a Trinidadian household that stood on principles, morals, values, and respect. As an African American woman, I have always stood on fairness and equality.”

“I am proud to be the third generation in my family to be part of such a great union, 1199. We can't complain and expect things to change just because we feel a certain way about something. We must be part of the change and set an example for others to follow.”

Fighting for Safe Staffing

In Maryland, members point to staffing shortages as one of the central issues affecting patient care. After years of advocacy, 1199 members helped secure passage of the Safe Staffing Act of 2026, which mandates worker participation in staffing discussions at private hospitals throughout the state.

Nina Scroggins, an 1199 Delegate and Cook at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, described how understaffing affects workers throughout a hospital system.

“I realized that the way I was working, we were always short-staffed. A lot of people were getting hurt trying to do multiple jobs, and people were calling out a lot because they were exhausted.”

“I personally was injured while helping out a co-worker in patient services. My shift was over, and I saw that she looked overwhelmed because there weren't enough people to help her.”

“So, it's clear to me that short staffing hurts everyone.”

Defending the Right to Vote

The political hill that 1199ers have to climb during this election season is one of the steepest in recent memory, according to union leaders. Members expressed concern about voting rights, immigration policies, and broader attacks on worker protections.

Addressing the union-wide Delegate Assembly, Veronica Turner-Biggs, 1199SEIU Secretary-Treasurer, urged members not to be discouraged or intimidated.

“They're trying to take us back, but we're not going back.”

“Our ancestors fought hard so that we could have the right to vote. They're trying to intimidate us, so we don't show up at the polls. But we're not scared, because we're never scared.”

“There is not another single organization that can do what our organization does.”

Organizing in Florida

Sarah Chrisofferson, an 1199 Delegate and RN at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, said the victory of Senate candidate Angie Nixon in the Democratic primary inspired many healthcare workers to become more engaged in the election.

“I met her at the 1199 Delegates Assembly in New York and she's one of us and she really cares about health care.”

“She still has to win in November, though. So, I keep having conversations with people both at work and at my local Kava bar.”

“We have to find a way to stop squabbling over red versus blue and find common ground. My parents are barely scraping by on a fixed income and Social Security, which is under threat. Nobody wants their loved ones to be financially insecure.”

Taking the Fight Door-to-Door

Lilieth Clacken, a home care Delegate from Queens who works for RegionCare Nursing Agency (Northwell), has a long history of political activism dating back to her time in Jamaica.

“Back in Jamaica, where I grew up, I was a political activist for many years. Sometimes it feels like three steps forward and two steps backward. But it's the wins we achieve that keep me in the fight.”

In 2024, Clacken canvassed voters on Long Island and believes continued grassroots organizing will be essential in key congressional battleground districts.

“We might not agree with everything they stand for, but so much of what we need as working people depends on having a majority of Democrats in the House of Representatives and the Senate.”

How Members Can Get Involved

A group of 1,000 union political activists has already begun voter registration drives, voter outreach efforts, and election protection activities. Throughout September and October, thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in phone banks and Weekend Warrior door-knocking campaigns.

•    Shop Political Captain — Help inform and recruit fellow members to vote and volunteer in the November elections. Organize workplace outreach and information tables.
•   Neighborhood Captain — Build connections among union members, community organizations, and local congregations. Reach out to members in the neighborhood and discuss election issues.
•    Poll Watcher — Work with election protection programs, complete required training, and volunteer at local polling locations.

“A trillion-ton freight train is about to crash into our healthcare system causing severe cuts and casualties to hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.”

— Kim Utech, 1199 Delegate and Nurse Practitioner