Rain Doesn’t Keep NJ Caregivers From Picketing for What Is Right—and Rightfully Theirs

September 20, 2011

A little rain didn’t stop more than a hundred 1199SEIU nursing home workers in Newark, NJ from making their voices heard. On September 15, the workers and their supporters held their second informational picket and rally in as many months at Forest Hill Care Center. They are among 4,000 1199SEIU members at more than 30 nursing homes across New Jersey whose contracts expire this fall. They are asking for fair wages and benefits, but so far their proposals have fallen on deaf ears.

Tanshema Garrison, a certified nursing assistant on the picket line, said, “I have been working at Forest Hill for 9 years. I really like what I do and I love the residents. But we do need better wages so we can continue to work here. I know my residents can’t take care of themselves, but I need to be able to take care of my children at home too and right now, we’re just getting by.”

The workers were joined by community activists, members of other local unions and elected officials. Raz Baraka, South Ward Councilman from Newark, told the rally, “We must have quality jobs for employees, with good benefits so that our families can prosper.. If these owners won’t pay the wages you deserve, I will stand out here with you for as long as it takes. The only labor is union labor, and I am here to support you.”

The New Jersey caregivers, from the northernmost border of the state to southern New Jersey, have come together in a campaign called, “Voices For Quality Care and Good Jobs-The Heart of New Jersey.”