2017 Contract Negotiations Are Here!
Every few years we, has a union, negotiate with management to improve our wages, benefits, and other changes we’d like to see in our collective bargaining agreement. We work hard to bargain a contract that protects our elders, our families, and our future. Our contracts will expire on April 30, 2017 / June 30, 2017. We need to get active now, begin to prepare for negotiations, and get organized!
Have You Filled Out Your Contract Survey?
Hopefully, by now, you have noticed paper contract surveys in your facility or have received a text message asking you to fill one out. We need all members to complete the survey before February 17 so we can have everyone’s input as we set our goals for negotiations.
Filling out a survey allows us to gain more insight into issues that affect you and your nursing home. It also lets the Bargaining Committee know what our members are willing to do to achieve those goals. This will be a challenging round of negotiations so we are starting early to get organized and united behind our goals.
If you haven’t filled out a survey yet, do it now!
Bargaining Committee Petitions Available in February
Members who want to join the Bargaining Committee should pick up a petition from a Delegate, collect 15 signatures, and return to your Delegate or the Union Office before February 21st. Depending on how many people are nominated, we may have an election in early March. Our goal is to be sure different job titles, shifts and departments are represented on the Committee. For more information, contact your Union Organizer.
What are the responsibilities of being on the Bargaining committee?
Committee Members
• Gather information
• Prepare bargaining proposals
• Participate in negotiations
• Communicate regular updates on negotiations
The most important role—focus on what is best for the membership as a whole and work as team.
Officer Changes at 1199SEIU in Syracuse and Upstate
Many of you remember George Kennedy. He was an organizer in the Syracuse area, went on to serve as Vice President for the Buffalo/Western NY area, and, for the past 8 years, our Executive Vice President for all of Upstate. George retired on December 31 after 40 years in the labor movement with our Union. Ruth Heller will replace him as our new Executive Vice President and Kevin Lockhart will replace Ruth as our Vice President for the Syracuse / CNY area.
