1199SEIU Healthcare Workers Unite at the Massachusetts State House for Advocacy Day!

May 20, 2015


1199SEIU members from Steward Hospital facilities

Hundreds of healthcare and homecare workers united for the annual 1199SEIU Advocacy Day to advocate for better wages and investments in healthcare services. First, we gathered at the 1199SEIU union hall, where we broke out into group sessions to discuss upcoming contract fights.


MA Attorney General Maura Healey with 1199SEIU Executive Vice President Veronica Turner

Then, we welcomed Attorney General Maura Healey, who voiced her support for timely implementation of the earned sick time law. The Attorney General spoke of her admiration for 1199SEIU and her recent decision to give all employees in her office paid parental leave.


Personal Care Attendant Consumer Analyne Heredia with her PCA, Ana Oquendo

Consumers joined their personal care attendants at the union hall and the State House to show their support.


1199SEIU members Jacqueline Gomes (Tobey Hospital) and Kindalay Cummings (PCA)

Next, we rallied on the State House steps with elected leaders and community allies for $15 an hour and fair contracts.


1199SEIU Personal Care Attendant Randy Cureton handing letters from PCAs off to Governor Baker’s Staff

Inside the State House, Personal Care Attendants hand delivered letters about their upcoming contract and what $15 would mean for PCAs to Governor Baker's office. Finally, we met with legislators throughout the State House to make our concerns heard as constituents and frontline healthcare workers.