Dozens of nurses and caregivers held an informational picket May 18 at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Queens, NY.



1199SEIU represents 360 workers at St. Mary’s, most of whom earn below industry standard. Workers include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, maintenance, and clerical employees. Last month, technical and professional employees voted to join the union. Nurses work with disabled and disadvantaged children, many of whom have been at St. Mary’s since birth. For many of these vulnerable children, their caregivers act as surrogate parents.



Valerie Murdock has been an RN at St. Mary’s for eight years. “I love caring for these kids. St. Mary’s is a precious place for children who need quality care. My work involves helping them nurture and heal, and it is deeply rewarding,” she says.



She says St. Mary’s workers can’t take care of themselves. “They are offering little or nothing in terms of benefits. That’s a big concern of mine, and an increase in benefits is something that’s 100% needed.”



Murdock’s love of the children and her concerns about benefits are echoed by Eviuwa Oseki, an RN at St. Mary’s for 23 years.



“What we’re asking for is reasonable. I take a lot of pride in my work, I feel we nurses give our best, and we should get St. Mary’s best in return in the form of quality, affordable health benefits,” says Oseki. “Our young patients are the reason I’ve been here for 23 years. I’ve had job offers at other places, but working with these young people is so fulfilling.”