An intensive two-day program focused on strategic organizing and advocacy for social and economic justice honoring late Vice President Bruce Popper who passed away in 2022 after 45 years leading the labor movement across Upstate 

 

Rochester, NY – A dozen healthcare workers from area hospitals, nursing homes, and home care completed the first annual Bruce Popper Union Leadership Program this week. The program is a two-day intensive workshop created to further develop emerging leaders of the local labor movement.

 

The workshop honors the legacy of 1199SEIU’s late Vice President Bruce Popper.  Popper^[1] passed away after decades of service leading the area labor movement. The program is a way to honor and to continue his legacy around social justice and economic issues.

 

“I first met Bruce in 2015 and his words of wisdom were awesome and he was a man of integrity who led the union movement and influenced the lives of so many workers.  Participating in the workshop was a good learning experience to sharpen my leadership skills,” said Cassandra Knight, Patient Unit Secretary.  

 

Participants learned of the rich history of the labor movement in Rochester and also the struggles their predecessors endured fighting for fair and just rights for workers. The workshop was designed to hone in on leadership and organizing skills, conflict resolution, advocacy, critical thinking, and public speaking.   

 

“I loved the workshop and I loved the little things we did and the information we learned.  It was a great benefit because there is so much knowledge in the union,” said Geraldine Walker, Licensed Practical Nurse.  

 

“Participants engaged deeply with the rich legacy of the labor movement in Rochester, gaining insight into the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them in the fight for fair and just rights for workers. The workshop was thoughtfully designed to strengthen key leadership and organizing skills, including conflict resolution, advocacy, critical thinking, and public speaking,” said Tracey Harrison, 1199SEIU Vice-President for Rochester/Corning Area.

 

“This was a truly historic moment that illuminated the powerful history of 1199SEIU in Rochester. We were honored to have some of the most impactful facilitators guiding the conversation—among them Assemblyman Demond Meeks, Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health, and several founding members from the 1974 union organizing drive. Their presence and perspectives helped shape a transformative experience for all involved,” said Harrison. 

 

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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.

https://www.1199seiu.org