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“I’m relieved that our health insurance is secure and that the cost is locked in for the next three years.” –Andrea Fagan
1199 Pharmacy Technician, Megan Lauria, pickets the institution. UPSTATE NEW YORK
Capital region strike vote leads to tentative agreement After months of protracted bargaining, 1199 members at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home in Gloversville, NY, voted to strike. But negotiations throughout the night finally led to a tentative agreement, which averted the planned strike action, and a new contract was ratified on November 22. 6
November - December 2023
Health insurance was a priority for the members who depend on their comprehensive 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund health insurance. The reasoning was two-fold; healthcare workers, especially, must be healthy to do their jobs, and also, in these times of staff shortages, healthcare institutions cannot recruit
and maintain workers without providing comprehensive and affordable health insurance. “We said from the get-go that our goal was a contract that would help retain and recruit qualified healthcare workers and we achieved that. All healthcare workers need comprehensive health benefits, a stable pension and good wages, which allows us to take care of our families at the same time we care for others. That’s a win-win for the entire community,” said Rachel Ortega, a Sterile Processing Tech and member of the union Negotiating Committee. The agreement reached not only preserves the members’ National Benefit Fund, but also, locks in health insurance premiums for the duration of the 3-year contract. Members will also receive a ratification bonus, and annual across the board wage increases throughout the duration of the 3-year contract. “I’m relieved that our health insurance is secure and that the cost is locked in for the next three years. I love the work I do, but honestly, I would have had no choice other than to leave Nathan Littauer, if management had not agreed to protect our health benefits,” said Andrea Fagan, a Physical Therapy Assistant at the Nursing Home and also a committee member. The bargaining unit includes 305 hospital and nursing home workers who are technical and service employees; licensed practical nurses; certified nursing assistants; environmental services, dietary, and food service workers; orderlies; maintenance mechanics; laboratory, pharmacy, clinical, respiratory, diagnostic imaging and surgical technicians, engineering staff and others.
FLORIDA
Florida RN Lifts Patients Spirits with Crochet Registered Nurse Tonya Moore not only provides quality care to patients in UHealth Tower’s 11 South oncology department, but she also crochets hats, blankets and scarves for those who could use a thoughtful gift to help lift up their spirits. “I am a talker, so I get to know my patients well. I see a lot of them are struggling and alone, so I like to create something special for them, so they know someone cares,” said Moore, who works at the Florida facility formerly known as University of
Miami Hospital. Moore understands their pain and suffering of patients battling serious illness because her 34-year-old daughter named Dominque had Lupus. After a stay at the hospital a few years ago, she died from COVID. “I crocheted lots of items for Dominque to keep her warm since the hospital was often cold. I am still grieving her loss.” Moore says crocheting helps her heal. She also finds some comfort in her home garden that
she dedicated to her late daughter. Moore’s love for crocheting came from her grandmother. She has fond memories of her grandmother telling her to pick one of her handmade crocheted gifts out of a goodie bag every time she visited. “When I see someone wearing a hat or scarf I created, and they’re beaming, it’s so rewarding to know that I brightened their day. It’s a gesture that says someone cares and you’re not alone in your fight to survive.”
“When I see someone wearing a hat or scarf I created, and they’re beaming, it’s so rewarding to know that I brightened their day.” – Tonya Moore, Registered Nurse
NEW YORK
Celebrating Panamanian Day 1199ers came together on a rainy Saturday morning in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, for the Panamanian Day Parade on October 7, celebrating the nation's independence on the last weekend of Hispanic Heritage Month. 1199SEIU President George Gresham was in attendance as Parade Ambassador. 1199 Magazine
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