Direct Service Workers Among Growing Local and National Trend As Workers Join Labor Unions To Demand Improvements In Their Workplace And A Voice On The Job

Upstate, NY – Direct Service Workers at Hispanics United of Buffalo (Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo), an affiliate of Acacia Network followed a national rising trend^[1] and unanimously voted in favor of joining a labor union this week. About 31 direct service workers at Hispanics United of Buffalo voted to join 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare workers union in the country. 

“At least our voices will be heard now,” said Marianela Rodriguez, Case Manager.  “Our union will help us be even more successful at work,” said Rodriguez. 

“Even as a full-time working mother it is difficult to meet my family’s financial needs,” said Alexandria Carlucci, Care Coordinator.  “Now, with the support of a union behind me, my compensation will start to reflect my labor,” said Carlucci. 

Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo is a non-profit organization that provides direct care and social services to at-risk communities across Western New York.^[2] Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo is an affiliate of Acacia Network, a Latino-led organization providing services such as health, housing, and social services^[3].  Workers voted to join the union alongside their colleagues from Acacia Network who joined last year at Promesa, Inc Safepoint Lighthouse in Dunkirk and Alba de Vida Clinic in Buffalo.

The newly organized workers at Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo work as Care Coordinator, Senior Case Manager, Receptionist, Quality Control, Quality Control Assistant, Residential Aide, Pantry Assistant, Service Workers, Education and Employment Specialist, Biller, Housing Specialist, Driver, Maintenance Worker and Janitor.  

Workers will begin negotiating their first union contract soon.

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^[1] University of Rochester grad students looking to unionize (spectrumlocalnews.com)
^[2] Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo – Heart of the Community Since 1989 (hubwny.org)
^[3] Acacia Network – Rooted in the Community Since 1969