On the heels of several sweeping victories for labor-friendly candidates, more than a hundred 1199SEIU New Jersey delegates gathered for an important Delegate Assembly last Wednesday, November 9, in Elizabeth.

1199SEIU New Jersey Executive Vice President Milly Silva noted that many delegates and other members spent hours calling voters, knocking on doors, and otherwise rallying support for candidates who would stand up for the rights of healthcare workers and working families across the state.

Speaking directly to the elected officials who attended the meeting, she said, “Many of you have stood with us in the past, and we are counting on you to stand with us again as we get through this campaign, as we get through these difficult times.”

The elected officials included Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, Assembly members Annette Quijano, Joe Cryan, Thomas Giblin, and Gary Schaer, and Senators Nia Gill, Ronald Rice, and Linda Greenstein. Many delegates told them that as our representatives, they must remember to speak publicly about the plight of New Jersey’s struggling nursing home workers.

“We need to let the public know about the real challenges nursing home workers face in New Jersey. We need someone to tell our story,” said Margaret Boyce, a CNA at JFK Hartwyck at Edison Estates is a Nursing Home.

The officials spoke about their personal experiences with the delegates and addressed their remarks directly to them, many of whom proudly wore buttons that read, “Healthcare workers are part of the 99%.”

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver expressed solidarity with the nursing home and home care workers of New Jersey, telling of her own family’s experience. “Women in my family have served in nursing homes and other healthcare settings. I know how hard they worked, I know what their earnings were. I know the work that you do, and I definitely respect the work that you do.”

The speakers also recognized the important work of “The Heart of New Jersey” campaign, which is uniting healthcare workers across New Jersey who are fighting for fair contracts with decent wages and benefits and training opportunities.