On June 24, some 145 home health aides with Unlimited Care on Long Island voted to join with 1199SEIU. They voted yes by an overwhelming 93 percent majority.

The workers were motivated to form their union in order to win a better future for themselves and their families, and a voice in care for their clients.

“I want our union so that we can win paid sick days, paid vacation, affordable healthcare, raises and a pension plan,” said Dierdre Tinsley, a Home Health Aide with Unlimited Care Long Island.

“We need fairness and job security. Right now, it feels like Unlimited Care is taking advantage of us,” said Joseph Scott, also a Home Health Aide with the agency.

Another of their colleagues, Joy Wilson, added, "We need vacation and sick pay. We need better benefits that are affordable so we can better take care of ourselves and our families. We want respect and better communication. We joined 1199SEIU to fight for what we need and deserve."

These mewest 1199 members are joining with their 400 homecare colleagues at Unlimited Care in New York City, building strength and unity in the New York region’s growing 1199 homecare workforce.