1199ers Join Raise Up Massachusetts for $15 Minimum Wage Announcement

On November 29, 1199ers rallied with our community, faith and labor allies in the Raise Up Massachusetts Coalition to announce that we will file legislation to secure a $15 minimum wage for all Massachusetts workers.

The rally and announcement were part of a National Day of Action to Fight for $15 in over 340 cities. In Massachusetts, the day of action began in the morning with a strike and civil disobedience demonstration at a McDonald's in Cambridge and continued with a strike by Logan Airport workers protesting unfair labor practices and a rally at East Boston Memorial Park.

Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the day. 1199ers are ready to fight alongside our allies to win $15 for all!

For a round up of the day's actions, check out this WBUR article.

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Overtime Victory for Massachusetts Personal Care Attendants

After months of tireless advocacy with our elder and disability allies, we won modifications to the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Overtime Management Program enacted by the state earlier this fall - important changes that will ensure quality and continuous care for thousands of Massachusetts' most vulnerable residents.

With the most recent changes, PCAs can now work up to 50 hours per week without any prior approval needed. Consumers can also file for an exemption if they need their caregiver for more than 50 hours - up to 66 hours per week. PCAs will also be paid time-and-a-half for all hours worked over 40 per week.

To read more about this exciting victory, check out 1199SEIU.org or read this article from The Springfield Republican.

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The Next Four Years: 1199SEIU Members Attend Conference to Discuss the Future of Our CountrySeveral 1199SEIU members attended a conference hosted by Massachusetts Peace Action, American Friends Service Committee and Progressive Democrats of America on December 3. The conference focused on the next four years in our country and where our progressive movement goes from here. For a video of the conference, click here.

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1199ers Rally to Support Hampshire College Students

1199ers in Western Massachusetts joined Hampshire College students and staff in solidarity to stand up against verbal threats they received after exercising their free speech. The rally on December 4, Raise Our Struggle, was framed around the importance of diversity and coming together as a community. To learn more about the event, take a look at this video or read this article from The Springfield Republican.

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1199ers Won't Go Back

1199ers from the Cape, South Coast and Southeast participated in a peaceful march in New Bedford on December 4. We were joined by our community partners and allies in labor to demonstrate that we won't go back - we will keep fighting, and we will not back down. To learn more about the action, read this article from the New Bedford Standard Times.

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1199ers in Our Nation's Capital

This week, 1199ers joined healthcare workers from across the country in advocating for affordable healthcare for all on Capitol Hill. While in D.C., we met with our representatives in Congress and urged them to develop a viable plan to replace the Affordable Care Act before voting to repeal it. This vote could happen as early as January, and we need to mobilize to make our voices heard. Stay tuned for more information about how you can help!

As healthcare workers, we know that Congress needs to work together to fix what is broken, not tear it down! Thank you to everyone who took the time to travel to Washington, D.C. for raising up the voices of healthcare workers and standing up for all Americans.