A torrential downpour didn’t drench the spirits of 1199SEIU members at Hamilton Park Health Care Center in Jersey City as they held a lively informational picket in front of the nursing home on June 7. The caregivers who work as certified nursing assistants, dietary aides, recreation aides, and housekeepers are standing up to defend their contract as the new owner of the facility is attempting to change their wages and benefits.

Union members assembled in front of the facility at 2pm to encourage the company to honor the collective bargaining agreement that was in place prior to the change in ownership. Workers say they cannot afford wage cuts or pay more in health insurance costs.

"I've worked here at Hamilton Park as a certified nursing assistant for almost 23 years," said Cheryl Roberts, who joined her co-workers on the picket line. "We're here fighting to protect our benefits and our pay. We have challenging jobs and work very hard to care for our patients, and we need to be able to care for our own families as well."

Raj Mukherji, Deputy Mayor of Jersey City and 33rd District Assembly candidate, came out to show his support to the dedicated caregivers. "I'm glad you are out here making your voices heard and fighting for your rights," he said. "I respect what you do for our city and our economy, and I know you can't afford wage cuts. Hamilton Park needs to do the right thing and honor your contract."

In the coming weeks, members at Hamilton Park will be continuing the fight to protect their jobs and educate the community about the need to ensure that nursing home workers earn living wages and receive quality health insurance so they can continue to provide quality care to the patients they love and serve.