1199SEIU caregivers gathered today in front of Liberty House Nursing and Rehab Center today to demand a fair contract for workers. Union and community members were taking action to support Liberty House caregivers and other nursing home workers who are also in negotiations with their employers across the state.

Dozens of caregivers gathered in front of the nursing home today at 2:00pm in Jersey City to join their fellow caregivers and concerned community members who came out to support their fight for better wages and affordable healthcare benefits.

Liberty House employees are currently in a contract dispute with management who is proposing immediate wage freezes for the next year and reductions to workers’ paid time off. Management is also proposing to reduce starting rates for new workers, and is refusing to increase contributions to the employee health insurance fund needed in order for workers to maintain their existing healthcare benefits.

“It’s not easy. It’s getting harder and harder every day, “said Jennifer Griffiths who has worked as a cook at Liberty House for twelve (12) years. “With what I’m getting right now, I can’t even pay my bills. But I’m not out here fighting just for me. I’m fighting for all my co-workers, because I think we deserve better.”

Caregivers at Liberty House are part of a coordinated bargaining unit involving fourteen (14) long-term care facilities throughout the state, all of which are currently in a contract dispute. Today’s action was part of a wider campaign that is targeting some of the facilities with informational pickets intended to inform New Jersey residents and public officials about the need to secure decent contracts for workers in order to improve standards and maintain quality residential care in the state’s nursing homes.

“This is about respect for the care these dedicated workers provide to some of their communities’ most vulnerable members,” said Milly Silva 1199 SEIU Executive Vice President in New Jersey.

Liberty House workers are asking for a minimal annual wage increase and for the preservation of existing health and retirement benefits, so that they can continue to provide for their own families at the same time they care for the families of those in the community.