All 57 of our nursing homes across the state will be bargaining together this summer. Earlier this year, we filled out bargaining surveys and elected fellow workers to represent us at the bargaining table. Then, on June 28, our bargaining team representatives gathered together at the Red Lion Hotel in Salem to discuss our campaign.

The energy and spirit of camaraderie was inspiring! We learned about the process of bargaining, the roles of bargaining team members and staff, and worked with the chief spokesperson and other team members to develop proposals and strategies for moving effective actions in our facilities. We also voted on a slogan for this year’s campaign, and the winner is (drum roll please)…Happy Staff = Happy Residents.

Our first Central Table bargaining dates are July 12 and July 26. The Central Table is where the amount of funding allocated to our contracts is determined. Please be prepared to show your support by participating in worksite actions, and speak to your organizer about setting up communication action teams in your facilities to help spread the word about what’s going on at the bargaining table.

It is clear that we must do better than the current minimum…better than minimum wage, better than minimum staffing, better than minimum care. We’ve got make sure we come out in force and continue working to advocate for our residents and ourselves!

For more information, speak to the union stewards in your facility or contact your SEIU organizer at 1.844.503.SEIU.