WHAT: Frontline nursing home workers at 36 long term care facilities across the
state will hold silent and solemn vigils, expressing their grief and concern. Members
of 1199SEIU, who work for some of the biggest for-profit nursing home networks on
the East coast and beyond, are facing similar challenges whether they are upstate,
in the Hudson Valley or the metropolitan region. They include:
“Healthcare workers are on the front lines serving the public health. They face unprecedented challenges today taking on a pandemic and economic crisis. These caregivers, including the 24,000 represented by members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East in Florida, need the support of elected officials and government at all levels to protect their patients, their families and themselves.
As the state begins to reopen, we are committed to making sure that it is done deliberately, with adequate safeguards and social distancing in place, to prevent a resurgence of the virus that could potentially overwhelm caregivers in every setting.
“We commend Speaker Pelosi and the House of Representatives for standing up for working people through the passage of the Heroes Act. COVID-19 has ravaged our nation, and no group has been more affected than our dedicated healthcare workers who continue to put their lives on the line to care for those who are unable to care for themselves.
On the front lines of the war on COVID-19, there are many civilian heroes going out of their way, as volunteers and contributors. Also, many who are elected to serve are going the extra mile. In this column the Eagle hopes to give our readers an ongoing update on those fighting in the front lines.
WHAT: After several meetings and thousands of petition signatures were presented to Westchester Medical Center administrators, the healthcare employer is still refusing to provide frontline staff with any form of hazard pay for their work during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
Enhanced pay recognizes 300 workers for dedicated service during pandemic.
FORT MYERS---Florida’s largest healthcare union, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, has filed official complaints with federal and state agencies against Consulate Heritage Park Care & Rehabilitation Center in Fort Myers for a “blatant disregard” of Covid-19 safety practices, putting the facility’s caregivers and patients at “high risk” of the deadly virus.
We are proud to endorse candidates who will fight for a healthy and equitable District of Columbia. We must elect representatives who will organize with us to build a city that works for working families.
This week is dedicated to you, and we are excited to share some special events designed to help you connect with other nurses nationwide, and also relax and recharge.