After a combined 25 years of struggle to win their first contracts, workers at Excel Rehab and Nursing Center in Tampa, and Sunrise Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Broward County, voted overwhelmingly to ratify their first union contracts last week.

Both nursing home companies dragged caregivers through enormously difficult legal battles in order to block them from having a union. Sunrise workers voted in favor of a union in May 1997, but the company objected the workers’ decision until the Circuit Court of Appeals finally ordered them to stop appealing and start negotiating in November 2008. In similar fashion, Excel workers endured a 10-year legal battle after they voted to form a union on January 31, 2001.

“This victory is for all working people, not just us,” said Patricia Johnson, an LPN at Sunrise. “We’ve proven to ourselves and to all people who work for a living that hard work and persistence really do make a difference. This is a truly an unforgettable moment!”

Excel workers celebrated at a reception and were joined by union members from Tampa area hospitals and nursing homes, 1199SEIU President George Gresham, Executive Vice President Monica Russo and state Rep. Betty Reed.

“The energy in the room during the celebration was electrifying!,” said Brenda Williams, activity assistant at Nursing Center at University Village. “What a feeling for veteran organizers to see their hard work pay off and for new staff members to realize that they are not alone. This victory is a sends a strong message to the community and to working people everywhere: the voices of the working class matter. We must demand fair treatment until it becomes a reality.”

President Gresham offered words of encouragement and solidarity and said, “I am so honored to be here today to celebrate this victory with all of you. Ten years is a long time. So many would have stopped trying by now; but not this group! That is truly amazing.

“We want our new members to know that you have joined a family. Congratulations to you all!”

- See more at: http://www.1199seiu.org/florida_nursing_home_workers_declare_victory_flregion#sthash.G0SxAP0k.d7t9Zz9m.dpuf