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Issues + Action

iSpeak: Your Thoughts On The Contract Settlement

This week, our union reached a settlement on a new “master” contract with the League of Voluntary Hospitals that will eventually cover some 140,000 of our hospital and nursing home members—nearly half our membership. At a time of deep economic crisis, with 100,000 workers losing their jobs each week, and millions losing their pensions, health coverage and even their homes, we were able to save our pensions, secure our benefits, retain our job security guarantees and get a modest wage increase through 2015.

The top story on this website’s home page and the attached MOA tell the full story. The agreement only covers our downstate NY members, not those in other regions or our homecare members, but every 1199SEIU member is affected by the settlement, which sets the standards for all of us.

What are your thoughts about the settlement?

I think this is wonderful. We still have everything less three percent. When you think about it, we compromised with three percent which can add up to paying copayments and insurance benefits. A small price to pay long term to keep everything the same.

Toni Fratianni
LPN
Montefiore Medical Center (Satellite office)
Hartsdale, NY
I believe it is a great thing, being so many members were in fear of their jobs and benefits. I am retired and unfortunately the raises don’t affect us retirees like the workers but do guarantee our continue benefits.

Mary Chapman
Retiree
New York
Congratulations on a job well done!! Successful negotiations and ratification by 1199SEIU! We in Upstate New York admire your strength.

Sandy Harmon
RN
Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Buffalo, NY 
 
I feel happy and sad at the same time, because only some of us are going to be covered for this contract. Fifty percent will not have the privilege and more over 45 million will have nothing.

We need to work hard for the Employee Free Choice Act. People should not receive by charity; what they deserve in justice. Employee Free Choice Act Now!

Raimundo Valdes
Surgical instrument tech
St. Luke’s Hospital
New York City 
Congratulations! The League of Voluntary Hospitals is tough to deal with. I was working at Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged when we were on strike for every other week-end off. This was back in 1985. All workers want is a decent wage, health care and some vacation pay. They want to be treated decently.

Beverly Burk
Retired RN
Bolivar, Missouri
I think it is great. Everyone needs something good at this time when people are losing so much. It gives hope and maybe it will spread to us upstate. Good job.

Linda Richman
Patient access representative
Crouse Memorial Hospital
Syracuse, NU
I totally disagree. We were told that in reopening the contract we had nothing to lose. We lost our raise for 2009 and 2010 and it is reduced for the years after. I do not agree with it and will vote no and, contrary to what your delegates say, most people do not want to give up raises. Will you reduce the union dues since you took away raises?

Kathy Bradbury
Physician assistant
Brookdale Medical Center
Brooklyn
Hurray. Great job to you all!!!

Josephine Randazzo
Clerical
Maimonides Medical Center
Brooklyn
I think it is unfair that we retirees have to go with no increase for the next two years. We need that increase as everything has gone up.

Seda Lillian
Retired clerk
St. Luke’s Medical Center
NYC
I watched my parents raise me with next to nothing. They taught me to appreciate everything that I have because there are always others who are less fortunate. I am very grateful for this contract.

Garfield Cossey
CNA
Port Jefferson Health Care Facility
Port Jefferson, NY

What do you think?
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