In an effort to lift the spirits of 1199SEIU members who have been in difficult contract negotiations with their employer at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home in Gloversville, last month more than 60 people gathered across the street from the facility for a candlelight vigil and quiet prayer. The group included not only current Nathan Littauer employees and their families and friends, but also retirees. Pastor Craig Jones of the First Baptist Church of Amsterdam led the prayer.



More than 375 direct caregivers, technical employees and service workers at the hospital and nursing home in the southern Adirondack region of New York State, have been trying to negotiate a new contract, without success. The employer wants to increase workers’ out-of pocket costs for health benefits, refuses to contribute to the workers’ pension at a rate that would keep the fund stable, and has proposed wage increases that don’t come close to keeping up with the daily cost of living.



The vigil was one of several events being organized by the union negotiating committee to drive member action and raise community awareness.