Hundreds of members from throughout California converged in Fresno Aug. 5-6 for the second meeting of the SEIU-UHW Executive Board. The Board meets quarterly to lead the union and implement the Plan to Win the Future.
Executive Board members led an enthusiastic discussion about the recent news that 45,000 Kaiser members will once again vote on union representation. One year ago members voted overwhelmingly for SEIU-UHW and against NUHW, but the National Labor Relations Board recommended in July that the election be re-run. Each Board member committed to recruit three members each to help win the election and kick off contract bargaining to win raises, protect health and retirement benefits and improve job security.
“Our union works as one and we are able to do big things because we work together. I do not work for Kaiser, but that doesn’t matter. I understand that we must support each other in order to keep our union strong.”
Martha Cobos
Home Care
Sacramento
Members from all corners of the union passed a resolution in support of Kaiser members. Read the resolution here.
Our Role in Creating a Healthier California
The Board began discussion on the collective power 150,000 healthcare workers in California have to improve healthcare and the health of people in the state. They acknowledged that chronic, manageable conditions wreak havoc on families and drive up the cost of healthcare. If conditions like asthma, diabetes and obesity are managed properly Californians will live longer, healthier lives and the cost of healthcare would decrease.
“More and more people need healthcare and we can make that happen.” Jay Fermin, Kaiser – Southern California
“We’re helping create a structure that delivers home care in a safe way for clients and providers.” Jimi Williams, Home Care -Contra Costa County
“Sometimes we are so busy taking care of others we forget about ourselves, but a lot of us are dealing with diabetes, weight, asthma and we need to take care of ourselves and set an example.” Cartina Valenzuela, CHW – Sacramento
Members opened the Board meeting by participating in a collective action outside the office of Fresno Representative Jeff Denham, who has done nothing to create jobs in the Central Valley despite running on the promise of improving the high unemployment in the area. Home care board members Theresa Ward and Cynthia Holley, both of whom are currently unemployed, shared their stories at the event. Read more here.