Raises and protections in agreement strengthens staff retention
STOCKTON, CA - Culminating a four-and-a-half-year effort, certified nursing assistants, dietary aides, housekeepers, and other caregivers, who are members of Service Employees International Union - United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW), at O'Connor Woods have ratified their first union contract, which will help the facility maintain high standards for resident care.
Since voting to unionize in October 2005, the workers have stood united in their effort to secure their first contract, despite management's threats, interrogation and harassment. Management's campaign of intimidation included three attempts to "decertify" SEIU-UHW as the workers' union.
The two-year contract, ratified decisively last night, covers approximately 200 staff and includes guaranteed wage increases and improved health insurance.
"We have worked so hard and been through so much to settle our first contract, but reaching this point today makes it all worthwhile. This is a huge step in protecting the quality care we provide to the residents and recognizing that staff is integral to that," said Judy Gonzales, who works in housekeeping at O'Connor Woods.
The contract includes:
- $0.80 raises: $0.40 increase upon ratification; and $0.40 in March 2011.
- Improved healthcare: protects affordable family healthcare
- Paid Holidays: for the first time, caregivers who work New Years, Thanksgiving or Christmas will receive double pay.
- Signing Bonus: A signing bonus of up to $400.
Contact: Adriana Surfas, 510-869-2246
SEIU-- United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is the largest hospital and healthcare union in the western United States with more than 150,000 members. We unite every type of healthcare worker with a mission to achieve high-quality healthcare for all. SEIU-UHW is part of the 2.1 million-member Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the nation's fastest-growing union. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org.
Source: SEIU-UHW