Boston, MA (October 17, 2016) – In response to the announcement by Southcoast Health Systems and Care New England terminating their affiliation agreement, Tyrék D. Lee, Sr., Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, issued the following statement:

“For almost a year, our members have joined with SEIU 1199 New England and our community partners across the South Coast region to examine the proposed merger between Southcoast Health and Care New England and its impact on the regional economy and healthcare delivery system. Today’s news about these entities ending their affiliation underscores the importance of ensuring workers and affected communities have a meaningful voice in discussions about their livelihoods. As Southcoast and Care New England move forward to explore their respective options, we will remain vigilant in our advocacy and look forward to our continued collaboration with all stakeholders to protect and raise standards for workers and ensure quality care for patients in these uncertain times.”

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Representing more than 56,000 healthcare workers throughout Massachusetts and over 400,000 workers across the East Coast, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. Our mission is to achieve affordable, high quality healthcare for all. 1199SEIU is part of the 2.1 million member Service Employees International Union.