After months at the table, Genesis union members at Long Green Center and Catonsville Commons are still in negotiations with management for a new contract.Thanks to an incredible show of unity by 1199 members, with all six facilities present to support bargaining, management is finally starting to move. They’ve come around a little on wages but not enough. Management also refuses to budge on a number of worker proposals, including additional vacation or personal leave."We need a raise and better benefits," explained Ms. Glena McKenzie, a laundry aide who’s been with Genesis Long Green Center for nearly 40 years. "We are the union. We need to support each other if we're going to get what we need."The need for better wages at all Genesis facilities in the area has brought out new leaders including first-time bargaining committee member Andrew Johnson, a floor tech who's worked at Genesis Perring Parkway for five years. Andrew got involved because, in his words, "the salaries aren't enough to live on." With a daughter and stepson to support, he hopes a raise will mean not having to struggle quite so much.“I want to thank all the Genesis 1199 members who have come out to support this bargaining,” said Brian Alston, a union member-leader from Genesis Perring Parkway. “I know it’s making a difference, and when folks are bargaining at the other facilities we’ll all be standing with them too. When we stand together, we’re strong. When we stand alone, we fall.”- See more at: http://www.1199seiu.org/fight_continues_for_fair_pay_benefits_at_maryland_genesis_facilities#sthash.mfUtPaLE.dpuf