Statement of Milly Silva, Executive Vice President, on Supreme Court DAPA/DACA decision

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, caregivers have been lauded from all quarters as the heroes saving our country. But when it comes to the recognition pay workers deserve for manning the front lines during the pandemic, generosity dries up.

Happy Labor Day!

MAITLAND, Fla. – Employees of Florida’s largest nursing home company are protesting dangerous work conditions a day after Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted restrictions on visitations to long-term care facilities.

Every year, the1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF) holds a Recognition Ceremony to honor 1199ers who completed a degree, certificate, or skill-building program. The event is a yearly highlight and moment of unabashed pride and joy. Though COVID-19 denied this year’s 2,000 graduates their moment of communal joy, there was still plenty of pride to go around.

As COVID-19 engulfed New York City, hospitals and healthcare workers became both beacons of hope and ground zero for COVID’s ravages. Caregivers battling the largest public health disaster in modern American history also struggled to protect their own health, provide for their families and care for their patients.

1199SEIU announced via social media on July 17 the union’s participation in a boycott of Latin foods giant Goya Foods. During a July 9 appearance at the White House, Goya President Bob Unanue praised Donald Trump and characterized the United States as “blessed” to have Mr. Trump as its leader. The response to Unanue’s compliment was swift and severe, with a social media-driven, organized boycott movement springing up with the hashtags #BoycottGoya and #Goyaway. The action quickly drew high profile supporters, including famed playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who represents a heavily Latinx district that spans the Bronx and Queens.

Florida 1199ers at hospital operated by the healthcare giant Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) made major strides in July when HCA agreed to a three-month contract extension.

1199ers joined thousands of workers in 25 cities across the U.S. on July 20 for a national Strike for Black Lives.

It’s the end of summer. For many of us, we’d normally be planning for back to school, coordinating camp pickups, or headed to cookouts or family reunions—maybe even a last-minute getaway and a few days of rest.

Our 1199SEIU Executive Committee has endorsed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to become the next President and Vice President of the United States. This should come as no surprise to any 1199 member.