SEIU UHW - United Healthcare Workers West

Trial Set for March 22 for Former SEIU-UHW Leaders Who Are Charged with Sabotaging Members

2010-03-11T21:23:51Z

Sign-Up for Regular UpdatesA lawsuit against Sal Rosselli, John Borsos and other former SEIU-UHW officials who were ousted from our union more than a year ago will go to trial in federal court in San Francisco March 22.

"Finally, Rosselli and the others have no place to hide. We will hear the truth of what they did to the members of our union in sworn testimony and in open court," said Maxine Persky, an SEIU-UHW member and an RN for Prison Health Services.

]]> SEIU charges that the former leaders started their new, rival union - NUHW - while still officers of SEIU-UHW and used SEIU-UHW resources to sabotage union operations and members after they were ousted from office.

Rosselli and many of the other defendants were removed from union office on Jan. 27, 2009 when SEIU-UHW was placed in trusteeship. The defendants immediately formed a NUHW with the purpose of trying to raid SEIU-UHW bargaining units and move members to their organization.

The allegations to be tried include claims that Rosselli and the defendants, among other things:

While they were officers and employees of SEIU-UHW, conspired to use resources of SEIU-UHW to start up a rival organization, rather than use those resources to represent members.

While they were officers and employees of SEIU-UHW, entered into a conspiracy prior to the trusteeship to weaken SEIU-UHW and its ability to represent members.

Destroyed tens of thousands of e-mails and destroyed or stole documents needed to bargain contracts and represent members.

Violated the terms of a confidentiality agreement that all of the defendants signed as employees of SEIU-UHW. The agreement required them to turn over to SEIU-UHW and cease using any proprietary information, including SEIU-UHW records and membership lists, after leaving SEIU-UHW.

Healthcare Workers at Alameda County Jails Strike

2010-03-10T02:00:39Z

Workers standing up for safe working conditions

OAKLAND, CA - Nurses, physician's assistants, dental assistants and others who provide medical care at Alameda County's two correctional facilities, are holding a one-day unfair labor practices strike over concerns about staffing levels and workplace safety at the facilities. The workers will return to work at 6 a.m. on Wed., March 10.

]]> Despite an intimidation campaign by their employer, Prison Health Services, the healthcare workers are standing up for safe working conditions and quality jobs at the Glenn Dyer Detention Center and the Santa Rita Jail. As the workers walked off the job today at 6 a.m. they were joined on the picket line by SEIU International President Andy Stern and Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico (D-Fremont)

Prison Health Services is a Tennessee-based for-profit corporation that had earnings of more than half a billion dollars in 2009. They hold a $77 million, 3-year contract with Alameda County to provide medical services at the two County facilities.

"This is about the selfishness of an out-of-state corporation - Prison Health Services - with earnings of over a half-a-billion dollars that is pocketing taxpayer dollars instead of using the money to benefit the County and our people as it promised," said Maxine Persky, a nurse at the Santa Rita Jail for ten years.

Prison Health Services has begun a campaign of threats and intimidation against workers including notifying employees of a seven-day illegal lock-out following Tuesday's planned one-day strike, and cancelled workers' approved vacations.

In their contract with the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Prison Health Services budgeted for a 10 percent increase in wages and healthcare benefits in years two and three of their County contract. Instead of using this taxpayer money to maintain wages and benefits, PHS proposes pocketing the money and increasing worker health insurance premiums--costing many workers nearly $3,000 a year more than they currently pay, and for inferior coverage. The 10 percent is more than enough to cover the costs of maintaining the current health insurance premiums and plan.

"Prison Health is looking to make cutbacks at every level, threatening workplace safety, putting our patients at risk and taking away good jobs in our community," said Gabriela Pursch, a licensed vocational nurse at the Santa Rita Jail for four years. "They are even making our own health insurance unaffordable. PHS is offering us a terrible plan that will end up costing us almost $3,000 a year more than our current family coverage. Even with a raise, I'll be losing money."

The workers, members of the Service Employees International Union - United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) voted 94 percent to strike on March 9th.

Background:

Healthcare Workers at Glenn Dyer Detention Facility and Santa Rita Jail Fight for Quality Care and Jobs

Prison Healthcare Services (PHS) is a for-profit corporation based near Nashville, Tennessee which contracts with state and local governments to provide medical care for jails and prisons.

According to the New York Times, Prison Health Services has become one of the biggest for-profit companies providing medical care in correctional facilities. In 2005, PHS held 86 contracts in 28 states, and provided care for 237,000 inmates--one in every ten people behind bars at the time. In 2009, Prison Health Services' earnings hit $610.5 million--a 20 percent increase over the previous year.

Alameda County first contracted with PHS to provide healthcare services at the Glenn Dyer Detention Facility and the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin in 1988. In 2008 the County signed a new 3-year contract with PHS at a cost of $77 million. In the 2008 contract with the County, PHS stated they budgeted for a 10 percent increase in staff costs for health insurance and wages in 2010 and 2011.

Prison Health employs 143 nurses, physician's assistants, dental assistants and others to provide medical care for the inmates at the two Alameda County facilities. The healthcare workers, members of the Service Employees International Union - United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW), have been negotiating with PHS management for nearly six months to ensure the facilities have proper staffing levels and safe conditions to ensure the safety of the workers and the inmates. The contract between SEIU-UHW members and PHS expired in December 2009.

Despite receiving millions in taxpayer dollars for increases in staff costs, Prison Health is now proposing cuts to the workers' healthcare benefits and wage scale, threatening PHS' ability to keep the experienced, well-trained healthcare workers who ensure the correctional facilities are safe and properly-staffed.

Health insurance costs a major sticking point: PHS is asking employees to pay an additional $2,635 a year more for health insurance coverage--a 250% percent increase--for a much worse plan. Even with a proposed four percent pay raise, the average employee with family health coverage will lose at least two percent of their take-home pay--before inflation--due to increased monthly health insurance premiums.

The $2.2 million in taxpayer money Prison Health received from Alameda County specifically for rising staff costs, more than covers the health plan employees currently have.

In 2006, the quality of care in the jails was compromised by chronic understaffing. As a result, PHS hired more staff and negotiated a wage scale with healthcare workers that would make it competitive in recruiting and retaining quality staff. Progress is being threatened by the current contract proposal.

The healthcare workers at Glenn Dyer and Santa Rita voted 94 percent in favor of a one-day strike beginning at 6 am on March 9. In response, PHS officials began a campaign of threats and retaliation against workers, including locking workers out of their jobs for seven days and cancelling previously scheduled vacations--both a violation of federal labor law.

The illegal and unnecessary lock-out will cost the company hundreds of thousands of additional dollars to hire expensive out-of-state workers, and cover their transportation, lodging, food, and other expenses.

Workers are asking PHS to keep their promise to Alameda County taxpayers, healthcare workers, and the community by ensuring quality jobs and quality care at Glenn Dyer and Santa Rita.

# # #

For Immediate Release: March 9, 2010

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

The UHW Report: 03/05/10

2010-03-06T04:25:38Z

Prison Strike Countdown: Healthcare Workers at Alameda County Jails Ready to Strike over Unfair Labor Practices March 9

SEIU-UHW members at Alameda's two correctional facilities are voicing concerns about workplace safety and staffing levels as they get ready to strike on March 9th. Members are continuing to face illegal threats and intimidation from Prison Health Services (PHS) management as they stand up for safe conditions, quality jobs and quality care at the County Jails.

Members voted 94 percent to authorize a strike on March 9th. In the wake of the strike vote, PHS officials have threatened to lock-out workers for up to two weeks and have notified them that their scheduled vacation time has been cancelled. Workers responded by taking their case to Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley to discuss their efforts to reach a fair contract settlement.

"Bill Wilson and PHS management thought that we would be scared enough by their threats to let them keep the money for our wages and health care," said Christel Seale, a LVN at Santa Rita. "But all they've done is make us more determined to stand strong and united to hold them to their word to us, the taxpayers of Alameda County."

And our brothers and sisters have taken the fight beyond California -- In Oregon, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners has been considering the privatization of their County Corrections healthcare. SEIU Oregon is using our PHS experience as a cautionary tale there, shining a light on Prison Health Services' practices and their abysmal corporate social responsibility.

SEIU-UHW Members Respond to Latest Attack from Ousted Leaders

NUHW has used lies and discredited allegations to convince some politicians and community activists to sign a deceitful and hateful letter accusing SEIU-UHW members of being liars and cheaters. The letter drags up old allegations that have been fully refuted and shown to be false.

SEIU-UHW members are responding to the attack with their own letter that demands to know why elected officials would sign on to such an outrageous letter without even asking for our side. Upon receiving the response from SEIU-UHW members, some of the people listed as signing the NUHW letter are saying that, in fact, they never signed it. Further, it reminds them how destructive this action is in light of their continuing effort to fight for good contracts and for a state budget that protects vital services.

Members Deliver Court Victory to Protect Home care

In securing another legal victory to prevent cuts to in-home caregivers' wages, members of SEIU today won big for frail seniors and people with disabilities who rely on home care to live at home instead of in more expensive institutions. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a preliminary injunction, which stopped Governor Schwarzenegger's In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) wage cuts. The cuts would put seniors and people with disabilities at risk of losing cost-effective home care services, such as assistance with cooking, cleaning, and bathing, that they rely on to live independently.

United for Democracy: Kaiser Bargaining Team Grows Three-fold

At Kaiser facilities across California, SEIU-UHW members turned out in force to elect co-workers to positions on the national and local bargaining teams. As they gear up to negotiate a new strong contract, they'll have more members fighting for workers' rights than ever. The 2010 bargaining team will have three-times more members than the 2005. While NUHW Pros will have to re-bargain on their own for a new contract, SEIU-UHW members will have the power of being a part of the Kaiser Coalition of Unions as they aim to win raises, lock-in benefits and achieve long-term job security.

Prison Strike Countdown: Healthcare Workers at Alameda County Jails Ready to Strike March 9

2010-03-05T00:38:53Z

Workers standing up for safe working conditions get support from Fellow SEIU Members in Oregon and Tennessee

OAKLAND, CA - Nurses, physician's assistants, dental assistants and others who provide medical care at Alameda County's two correctional facilities are continuing to voice concerns about staffing levels and workplace safety at the facilities. The healthcare workers are facing threats and intimidation from Prison Health Services as they stand up for safe conditions and quality jobs at the County jails. Prison Health Services is a multi-million dollar Tennessee-based corporation that contracts with Alameda County to provide medical services at a taxpayer cost of on average $25 million a year.

]]> The workers, members of the Service Employees International Union - United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) voted 94 percent to strike on March 9th. In the wake of the strike vote, PHS officials have threatened to lock-out workers for up to two weeks and have notified employees that their scheduled vacation time has been cancelled because employees voted to strike.

Today fellow SEIU members in Oregon and Tennessee also took action to hold Prison health Services accountable not just for their treatment of workers in Oakland and their commitment to Alameda County taxpayers, but also to workers in Oregon and Tennessee.

In Oregon, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners has been considering the privatization of their County Corrections healthcare. Oregon workers are telling the story of what's happening to healthcare workers and Alameda County taxpayers, shining a light on Prison Health Services' practices and their abysmal corporate social responsibility.

Additionally, workers took action outside the of Prison Health Services' Tennessee corporate headquarters to protest the multi-million dollar corporations' attempt to prioritize profits at the expense of working families and their disregard for taxpayers and the economic realities of local government's limited budgets.

In their contract with the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to provide healthcare services at the facilities, Prison Health Services agreed to a ten percent increase in wage and healthcare benefits. Yet now, PHS has backtracked and has proposed cuts to wages and healthcare benefits. In 2009, Prison Health Services' earnings jumped to $610.5 million from nearly half a billion dollars - a 20 percent increase.

# # #

For Immediate Release: March 4, 2010

Contact: Adriana Surfas, 510-869-2246

Source: SEIU-UHW

Victory in 9th Circuit Court Protects CA's Seniors & People With Disabilities Governor's IHSS Wage Cuts: Rejected

2010-03-05T00:30:17Z

(SACRAMENTO, CA)- In securing another legal victory to prevent cuts to in-home caregivers' wages, SEIU California today won big for frail seniors and people with disabilities who rely on homecare to live at home instead of in more expensive institutions.

"This ruling by the Court is a great victory for all Californians," said Laphonza Butler, President-Elect of SEIU-ULTCW, United Long-Term Care Workers. "It sends a clear message to the Governor that he can't balance the state's budget on the backs of thousands of hardworking in-home caregivers."

]]> The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals today affirmed a lower court's preliminary injunction, which stopped Governor Schwarzenegger's In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) wage cuts. The cuts would put seniors and people with disabilities at risk of losing cost-effective home care services, such as assistance with cooking, cleaning, and bathing, that they rely on to live independently.

"Home care means Sherry, my client, can continue to live independently and safely in the home she knows, near the people who care about her. The alternative would, unfortunately, be institutionalization," said Mary Harms, a Contra Costa home care provider and a steward with SEIU-UHW, whose client Sherry, suffers from cerebral palsy and severe mental retardation. "I also take care of my granddaughter and have a responsibility to provide for her. A cut in wages, would threaten my ability to care for Alexis and force me to look at other alternatives. This is a good decision for a cost effective program that protects the most vulnerable in our communities."

The 9th Circuit agreed with caregivers that slashing the state's maximum contribution caregivers' wages from $11.50 to $9.50 per hour would cause "irreparable harm" and that it violated the Medicaid Act because the State ignored the impact the cut would have on IHSS recipients' access to and quality of home care services.

The court ruling affirmed that, contrary to the State's arguments:

Wages paid to in-home caregivers are directly related to the ability of seniors and people with disabilities to access reliable, quality homecare

The access of frail elderly and disabled Californians to homecare is more important than the state's interest in balancing its budget

Evidence suggested that the cuts at issue here would have cost taxpayers more money in the long run than they would have saved

The State did not do its homework to understand the impact of the cuts to critical homecare services, as the law requires

"It is good to know that compassion and sound judgment sometimes do trump politics," said Ellen Rollins, an in-home caregiver in Santa Clara County and a Vice President for Home Care for SEIU Local 521. "The court decision today affirms the value of home care services; I hope our governor and those who would do away with our home care program, which saves lives and the state money, pay close attention."

Three SEIU California local unions representing home care workers were plaintiffs in the lawsuit: SEIU UHW-United Healthcare Workers West; SEIU Local 521, and SEIU-ULTCW, United Long-Term Care Workers.

###

For Immediate Release: March 3, 2010

Contact:: Mary Gutierrez, 213-276-3384

SEIU California is a coalition of over 700,000 janitors, social workers, security officers, home care workers, school and university employees, healthcare workers, and city, county and state employees represented by SEIU local unions throughout California. We come together to build a better California by fighting to pass policies and elect candidates that benefit working families and advance the issues we care about: affordable healthcare, good wages, retirement security for all, a healthy environment, good schools and universities, and stronger communities. We believe that by working together we can build a California where working families can thrive again.

California Insurance Commissioner Candidate Dave Jones to "Walk a Day" in a Home Care Provider's Shoes to Better Understand Needs of Working Families

2010-03-05T00:25:51Z

Assemblyman Jones to assist with therapeutic activities, personal hygiene, and meal preparation to see firsthand the benefits of the In-Home Supportive Services Program for seniors and the disabled

CLAYTON, CA - Insurance Commissioner Candidate Dave Jones will spend a day at work with Mary Harms, a Contra Costa County home care provider, to better understand how the home care program serves as a lifeline for seniors and the disabled across California on Saturday, March 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. A press availability will follow.

]]> Office seekers in California who want SEIU members' endorsements will be going to work with SEIU members in the coming weeks and doing their work with them. The "Walk A Day In My Shoes" program is part of an effort to ensure that every candidate endorsed by SEIU has direct experience and understanding of a union member's work. SEIU members are asking candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, State Superintendent for Public Instruction, and State Attorney General to walk a day in their shoes by joining them at home and their work places. The program is part of a national effort to enable SEIU members to learn more about candidates running for office. President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, and others have participated in the program in the past.

WHAT:

Insurance Commissioner Candidate Dave Jones performs duties of home care provider

WHERE:

21 Gibson Lane, rear house, Clayton 94517

WHEN:

Saturday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. - to 11:45 a.m.

Assemblyman Jones will work with Mary Harms to help care for Sherry Gazano. Mary has been a home care worker since the 1970's and has cared for Sherry, who suffers from severe mental retardation and cerebral palsy, since July 2003. SEIU encourages any candidate for elected office seeking endorsement to get to know our members and their work by "Walk[ing] a Day" in their shoes.

Despite its cost-savings for California taxpayers, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program has been under attack by the Governor. In the current-year budget he attempted to eliminate the program and in his budget proposal released earlier this year, again included the elimination of home care.

Home care allows seniors and those with disabilities to live independently by helping them bathe, dress, cook and get to and from medical appointments, among other things. Without these services, many of California's 400,000 seniors and disabled who rely on the program, would be forced to move to institutional care that costs taxpayers millions of dollars more than the IHSS program.

###

For Immediate Release: March 3, 2010

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

In Solidarity

2010-03-05T00:15:34Z

It is not a mystery or rocket science, when workers stand in unity when confronting a challenge, they win. When workers allow themselves to be misled and divided, they settle for less.

Here in CA, we belong to the biggest union in the U.S (Service Employees International Union), the strongest healthcare union in CA (United Healthcare Workers-West), representing all 5 HCA facilities in the State and we stand united for a fair contract with our RN sisters and brothers (SEIU 121RN in the South), IFPTE workers in the North and SEIU Nevada, who are all currently renegotiating their new contracts with HCA.

]]> "Wear your purple pulley in solidarity until we get and ratify the contract we want! HCA's profits went up 56% percent in 2009 when compared to 2008, and their 1st quarter numbers in 2010 are very impressive, they can afford a fair contract with their employees" --Sue Denardo - Sp Proc Rad Tech West Hills Hospital Barg Team Member/Steward

To remain visible and be heard without saying a word, we're asking everyone to wear your purple badge holder (pulley) until we get the contract we want. To not only display our solidarity across California but to also show management you're in support of what we're proposing across the table in these negotiations. We were elected to serve this role, we are expected to propose language that will address the many loopholes that exist within our contract. Like the loophole that currently allows the Hospitals to layoff full-time and part-time employees with years of seniority before per-diems with months on the job, or weeks. These injustices against tenure employees will be addressed and fought for in these negotiations. 30, 20, 10 year senior employees have earned the right not to be laid-off before a per-diem employee with less seniority.

Our Next Bargaining Session is Friday March 5th in L.A. Sticker-Up/Purple-Up, when asked to do so!

Meet the Elected SEIU-UHW Kaiser Bargaining Team Members

2010-03-04T20:52:03Z

At Kaiser facilities across California, SEIU-UHW members turned out in force to elect our co-workers to positions on the national and local bargaining teams. As we gear up to negotiate a new strong contract, we'll have more members fighting for us than ever - our 2010 team will have three times more members than in 2005!

Local Election Results - North

National Election Results - North

Local Election Results - South

National Election Results - South

Prime Healthcare Services Blasted for Seismic Non-Compliance

2010-03-04T17:25:41Z

"We can't let our hospital collapse," nurse tells State Senate Health Committee

Sacramento, CA - Prime Healthcare Services came under fire at a Senate Health Committee hearing today for its ongoing failure to comply with state seismic safety requirements. Testimony highlighted the corporation's apparent unwillingness to retrofit hospitals throughout California and focused on its neglect of Centinela Hospital in Inglewood.

]]> Of Prime Healthcare's 13 California hospitals, seven face a 2013 seismic compliance deadline. Centinela Hospital is among the most vulnerable of these facilities.

"Centinela is one of the only hospitals left in Inglewood, one of the poorest and most underserved areas of LA County," said certified nurse assistant Martha Alvarez, a 36-year veteran at Centinela and member of Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers (SEIU-UHW). "Something has to be done. We can't let our hospital collapse."

Despite a legal obligation to retrofit its hospitals, Prime Healthcare appears unwilling to do so. In some locations, Prime has not even initiated the process by opening projects with the state. Such disregard could greatly endanger patients and hospital staff, as the aftermath from recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile demonstrates.

What makes Prime Healthcare's neglect so puzzling is its continuing financial prosperity. The corporate healthcare giant has reaped $263 million in profits since 2007. Rather than put this money toward seismic upgrades to benefit its patients and staff, the corporation made massive payoffs to its investors.

"Prime and other hospital systems can't be allowed to keep siphoning hundreds of millions of dollars from our hospitals while telling us they can't find the money to be ready for an earthquake, leaving our communities at risk," Alvarez testified.

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For Immediate Release: March 3, 2010

Contact: Adriana Surfas, 510-869-2246

Source: SEIU-UHW

SEIU-UHW Members Respond to Latest Attack from Ousted Leaders

2010-03-03T23:18:17Z

SEIU-UHW members are responding to the attack with their own letter that demands to know why elected officials would sign on to such an outrageous letter without even asking for our side. Further, it reminds them how destructive this action is in light of their continuing effort to fight for good contracts and for a state budget that protects vital services.

]]> At a time we most need support for our tough contract fights to win improvements for
workers and the people we care for, NUHW is using lies in an attempt to divide us from elected officials and other allies. That's why thousands of SEIU-UHW members have signed public statements and letters calling NUHW out for its shameful attempt to weaken our voice.

SEIU-UHW Members Respond to Latest Attack from Ousted Leaders

2010-03-03T23:18:17Z

SEIU-UHW members are responding to the attack with their own letter that demands to know why elected officials would sign on to such an outrageous letter without even asking for our side. Further, it reminds them how destructive this action is in light of their continuing effort to fight for good contracts and for a state budget that protects vital services.

]]> At a time we most need support for our tough contract fights to win improvements for workers and the people we care for, NUHW is using lies in an attempt to divide us from elected officials and other allies. That's why thousands of SEIU-UHW members have signed public statements and letters calling NUHW out for its shameful attempt to weaken our voice.

Major Labor Board Ruling Begins to Clear the Way for Union Elections at 51 California Healthcare Facilities

2010-03-02T21:34:04Z

NLRB Dismisses Latest Attempt by Ousted Union Leaders to Block Votes for 6,715 Workers

Workers affected in: Antioch, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Chico, Chowchilla, Clovis, Concord, Dublin, El Cerrito, Fairfield, Fresno, Freemont, Galt, Gilroy, Hayward, Inglewood, Kingsburg, Lynwood, Marysville, Millbrae, Monterey, Oakland, Oakridge, Richmond, Ross, Salinas, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, San Rafael, Stockton, Union City, Vallejo, Yuba City.

OAKLAND - The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has rejected an attempt by a group of ousted union officials to halt elections at 51 California healthcare facilities (full list, below) - elections the former officials themselves originally sought, but now want to stop.

]]> The elections would cover 6,715 members of the Service Employees International Union - United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW). It would ask workers if they want to decertify SEIU-UHW as their union and move to a group started by the ousted union officials.

The former officials were removed from office in SEIU-UHW more than a year ago for misusing millions in union funds and violating members' democratic rights. Shortly afterward they formed an organization called the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) and filed the decertification petitions with the NLRB.

Now, instead of heeding the NLRB ruling and agreeing to either withdraw their petitions for elections or allow the votes to take place, the former officials have switched tactics and are trying to block the votes on a facility-by-facility basis. NUHW officials have already filed individual blocking charges at six facilities (see list below), and are scrambling to seek blocking charges at every facility in which they know they cannot win an election.

"After a year of holding rallies and demonstrations insisting that the NLRB schedule elections, NUHW officials reversed course and are trying to block the very same elections because they realize workers don't support them and they would lose," said Vicki Wren, who works in Radiology at St. Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy. "They are showing their hypocrisy, their lack of concern for our well-being, and their lack of respect for our rights as workers."

Union members say NUHW officials are trying to use the election petitions to divide workers, and that employers are taking advantage by running anti-union campaigns or pushing for concessionary contracts in negotiations.

"We have always been committed to quality jobs and quality care for the people we serve," said Helen Docena, a Certified Nursing Assistant at Willow Pass Healthcare Center in Concord. "These former union officials don't care - they are in it for their own personal power even if workers and those in our care suffer."

In recent weeks, SEIU-UHW members have stepped up pressure on the ousted officials to either withdraw their petitions to hold the elections or allow the votes to proceed.

More than 70 percent of the SEIU-UHW members in the affected facilities have now signed petitions stating their support for their union, SEIU-UHW. And more than 1,000 nursing home workers signed a letter - hand-delivered to the former union officials Monday - demanding that NUHW withdraw the petitions and stop putting workers' future and union at risk.

The affected facilities where NUHW has filed individual blocking charges with the NLRB are:

Antioch: Sutter Delta Medical Center, 420 workers

Gilroy: Saint Louise Regional Hospital, 200 workers

Inglewood: Centinela Hospital Medical Center, 700 workers (NUHW filed a petition for a decertification election last fall and filed blocking charges to halt the election on the same day)

Lynwood: St. Francis Medical Center, Service Unit (600 workers), Tech Unit (320 workers)

San Jose: O'Connor Hospital, 400 workers

Vallejo: Sutter Solano Medical Center, 210 workers

NUHW has refused to sign election agreements and has indicated it is about to file frivolous blocking charges at the following places where workers have made it clear they want SEIU-UHW:

Berkeley: Elmwood Care Center, 60 workers; Kyakameena Sanatorium, 40 workers

Castro Valley: Sutter Eden Medical Center, 310 workers

Chico: Enloe Medical Center (Crothall), 80 workers

Chowchilla: Chowchilla Convalescent Center, part of the Avalon Healthcare System, 50 workers

Clovis: Clovis Convalescent Hospital, 50 workers

Concord: San Marco Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 90 workers; Willow Pass Healthcare Center, 80 workers; Windsor Manor of Concord, 170 workers

Dublin: Prison Health Services (also has a location in Oakland), 140 workers

El Cerrito: Shields Nursing Center, 50 workers

Fairfield: Greenfield Care Center of Fairfield, 60 workers

Fremont: Windsor Country Drive Care Center, 100 workers; Windsor Park Care Center of Fremont, 60 workers

Fresno: Golden Living (Beverly Manor) Convalescent Hospital, 160 workers

Galt: Golden Living (Beverly) Center, 70 workers

Hayward: Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center (also Union City), 120 workers; Hayward Convalescent Hospital, 80 workers; Windsor Gardens of Hayward, 60 workers

Kingsburg: Kingsburg Care Center, 70 workers

Marysville: Marysville Care Center, 60 workers

Millbrae: Millbrae Serra Convalescent Hospital, 90 workers

Monterey: Windsor Monterey Care Center, 50 workers

Oakridge: Oakridge Care Center, 90 workers

Richmond: Shields/Richmond Nursing Center, 50 workers

Ross: Cedars of Marin, 20 workers

Salinas: Windsor the Ridge Rehabilitation Center, 100 workers; Windsor Skyline Care Center, 60 workers; Windsor Gardens of Salinas, 90 workers\

San Francisco: Central Gardens Convalescent Hospital, 80 workers; Convalescent Center Mission Street, 50 workers; In-Home Supportive Services Consortium, 480 workers; Mission Bay Convalescent Hospital, 35 workers; University Mound Ladies, 20 workers

San Jose: Empress Care Center, 60 workers; Lifehouse, 120 workers; Vista Manor Nursing Center, 80 workers

San Leandro: All Saints Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center, 80 workers; San Leandro Healthcare Center, 60 workers; Washington Care and Rehabilitation Center, 60 workers
San Rafael: Country Villa, 60 workers

Stockton: Creekside Care Center (Heritage), 50 workers; Golden Living (Beverly) Center - Hy-Pana, 70 workers

Yuba City: Yuba City Care Center, 50 workers

Despite NUHW's attempts to divide and distract SEIU-UHW members, the healthcare workers have successfully negotiated new contracts covering more than 68 hospitals and nursing homes in the past year, with wage increases for the first year of the contract nearly double that of the national average.

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For Immediate Release: March 2, 2010

Contact: Adriana Surfas, 510-869-2246

Source: SEIU-UHW

Fresno Supervisors Jeopardize Ability of Seniors, Disabled to Remain in Own Homes

2010-03-02T21:28:44Z

Supporters of County's successful, cost-saving home care program rally against proposed cuts

FRESNO, CA - Fresno County home care workers, consumers and community supporters stood up to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, who are threatening the ability of seniors and the disabled to continue to live safely and independently in their own homes through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. The Supervisors have proposed cutting the wages of Fresno home care providers and reducing health care benefits. This could result in home care providers looking for new jobs with better wages and benefits and leave clients without care.

]]> Kellie Longo-Albarran, Systems Change Advocate with the Resources for Independence Central Valley, said "IHSS is an absolutely critical program to those who utilize its services. If we continue to cut the program and lose providers, consumers will risk losing their independence and right to live in a community setting. Individuals with disabilities also use IHSS as an income source. In our job development department alone, we have placed at least 12 consumers with disabilities as providers. The independence gained from employment allows people with disabilities to contribute to the local economy. It is vital that this program gets the support it needs."

"I have been in rest homes recovering from surgery and it's not for me. For me, I get sicker if I am in a facility like that. My caretaker takes good care of me and I get to stay home, in my own environment. But she needs to earn a living, so I hope the supervisors do the right thing and approve a good contract for her," said Andy Martinez, who has needed assistance since having major open heart surgery in 1998.

The home care workers, members of the Service Employees International Union - United Healthcare Workers, West (SEIU-UHW), are currently negotiating a new contract and are fighting the County's attempt to cut workers wages by $1 to $9.25 per hour from $10.25 per hour and cut health care coverage.

"I take care of three people with physical and mental disabilities who need constant attention. They don't have family to help them. They need me, but I can't care for them if my contract doesn't allow me to care for myself. I have gotten sick taking care of them, and without my health care I could die. This contract is more than words on paper, its keeping people alive," said Terry Moreno, a Fresno County home care provider

Joining the rally to defend home care and the seniors and disabled in Fresno County who rely on the program were Fresno City Councilman Henry T. Perea, Fresno City Councilman Blong Xiong; and Randy Ghan, Secretary Treasurer for Fresno, Madera, Kings Tulare Central Labor Council, as well as representatives of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Resources for Independence Central Valley and Fresno West Coalition for Economic Coalition. Many of these individuals and organizations are sending letters of support, including State Senator Dean Florez, Councilman Xiong, Councilman Perea, United Cerebral Palsy, Mutiple Sclerosis Society, and the Central Labor Council.

Home care allows seniors and those with disabilities to live independently by helping them bathe, dress, cook and get to and from medical appointments, among other things. Without these services, many would be forced to move to institutional care that costs taxpayers millions of dollars more than the IHSS program.

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For Immediate Release: March 2, 2010

Contact: Adriana Surfas, 510-869-2246; Amanda Cooper, 510-269-0899

Source: SEIU-UHW

More than 1,000 Nursing Home Workers Tell Former Union Leaders to 'Go Away and Stop Putting Our Future at Risk'

2010-03-02T02:47:14Z

EMERYVILLE, CA - More than 1,000 workers from 50 California nursing homes signed a letter delivered to the former officials of their union with a plain message: Get out of our facilities and stop putting our future and our union at risk.

The workers, members of the Service Employees International Union - United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW), delivered the letter Monday to former union President Sal Rosselli, who along with the other former officials were ousted from the union more than a year ago for misusing millions in union funds and violating members' democratic rights.

]]> After being kicked out of SEIU-UHW, the ousted officials formed an organization called the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW). Shortly afterward NUHW filed petitions with the National Labor Relations Board seeking to "decertify" SEIU-UHW by holding elections to move the workers to their group.

NUHW has refused to cancel the election petitions despite the fact that more than 70 percent of the workers in the nursing homes have signed statements in support of SEIU-UHW and want NUHW to leave them alone. Now, some nursing home employers are using the opportunity to try to convince workers to give up their union entirely.

In their letter to Rosselli, the members wrote (click here to view the full letter): "It was only a matter of time before your decision to file election petitions put our union and our future at risk. Now, some employers are looking to take advantage of the situation by trying to bust our union altogether. You know full well that there is very little support for NUHW in our facilities. By continuing to pursue these elections you are doing management's work for them."

The workers' letter concludes: "If you don't [withdraw your election petition], and our employers continue their anti-union campaigns and we lose our union, the blame for destroying our future will be on your hands. The time has come for you to do the right thing for workers."

Since being ousted from SEIU-UHW, representatives from NUHW have systematically tried to divide workers, interfere in contract negotiations, and create problems in hospitals and nursing homes across California.

Despite NUHW's attempts to distract SEIU-UHW members, healthcare workers have successfully negotiated new contracts covering more than 68 hospitals and nursing homes in the past year, with wage increases for the first year of the contract nearly double that of the national average.

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For Immediate Release: March 1, 2010

Contact: Adriana Surfas, 510-869-2246

Source: SEIU-UHW

Alameda County Contractor Prison Health Services Caught Threatening, Intimidating Workers in Violation of Federal Labor Law

2010-03-02T02:30:45Z

Healthcare Workers at Glenn Dyer Detention Facility and Santa Rita Jail File Federal Charges Against Prison Health Services

OAKLAND, CA - Citing unlawful threats and intimidation against healthcare workers at the Glenn Dyer Detention Facility and the Santa Rita Jail, members of the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers-West (SEIU-UHW) have filed an unfair labor practices (ULP) charge against Prison Health Services (PHS), the Tennessee based corporation in charge of administering healthcare at the two Alameda County facilities.

]]> The charges come after SEIU-UHW members voted last week to call a one-day unfair labor practices strike at the facilities on March 9, 2010. The strike is in response to PHS official's refusal to bargain in good faith on a new contract - jeopardizing the workers and services at the Glenn Dyer Detention Facility and the Santa Rita Jail. Employees at both facilities have been working without a contract for six months.

"PHS's proposals would force nurses and other staff to shoulder the burden unfairly," Maxine Persky, a nurse at the Santa Rita Jail for ten years, said. "This puts the retention of qualified healthcare professionals at Glenn Dyer and Santa Rita at risk."

In a 2006 contract entered into with the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to provide healthcare services at the facilities, PHS officials agreed to a ten percent increase in wage and healthcare benefits. PHS, which reported earnings of nearly half a billion dollars in 2008, has since gone back on this agreement and is seeking cuts in both wages and benefits during contract negotiations.

In the wake of the strike vote, PHS officials have threatened to lock-out workers for up to two weeks and have notified employees that their scheduled vacation time has been cancelled because employees voted to strike.

National Labor Relations Board rules prohibit an employer from using threats or intimidation to retaliate against workers' rights to engage in protected, concerted activity to protest an employer's unfair labor practices.

Lynn Bowers is a licensed vocational nurse at Santa Rita for the past 19 years said, "This is just another example of PHS refusing to honor its word and bargain in good faith. PHS made a deal with Alameda County and is now trying to get out of it through threats and intimidation against dedicated workers."

Despite PHS's threats, workers at the facilities say they will not back down.

"We are committed to holding PHS accountable for the contract it signed with the Board of Supervisors and the taxpayers of Alameda County," said Blaire Behrens, an licensed vocational nurse at Glenn Dyer Detention Facility for 19 years. "We cannot allow an out-of-state company to come into our community and take advantage of the taxpayers and dedicated employees of Glenn Dyer and Santa Rita. No threat by PHS management is going to shake our commitment to hold them to their word."

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For Immediate Release: March 1, 2010

Contact: Adriana Surfas, 510-869-2246

Source: SEIU-UHW