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

At the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak John Gordan, a pharmacy tech at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital wanted to do something to help his community. As a tenant’s rights activist and candidate for local office, he knew that North Country New Yorkers would be hit hard by the pandemic physically, psychologically, and economically. So Gordan and a friend set up a mutual aid Facebook group, “North Country Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”

As Florida’s COVID-19 crisis escalated, Registered Nurses represented by 1199SEIU at institutions operated by Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) rejected COVID-19 protocols handed down by their employer because they weakened protections and increased the vulnerability of caregivers at HCA facilities around the state.

This is a surreal moment. I know I don’t have to tell you as caregivers about the ways COVID-19 has inflicted tragedy on our lives. This virus is an invisible enemy, inflicting visible pain on so many, but we are continuing to fight to save the lives that have been entrusted to us for care.

I am so proud of you and have so much admiration for your hard work, your commitment to our patients, and your courage in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. I hope you are just as proud of yourselves

What seems like a million years ago, we were scrambling at the onset of a pandemic, fighting to save lives. Nurses, paramedics, homecare workers, CNAs, dietary workers, and so many more— every one of us was in a war, and we could barely hear our own exhausted thoughts.

1199SEIU believes that every worker is entitled to respect and dignity on and off the job. Practices and policies that discriminate against any worker because of race, religion, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or disability are unacceptable. Our Union believes that every institution has a responsibility to ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace, where workers feel valued for their skill, professionalism, and contributions to the work of patient care. Please take a moment to fill out this brief survey about your experiences. Your response will make meaningful change at Northwell Health.

As of July 1, 2020, District of Columbia workers now have paid parental, family, and medical leave.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A total of 52 Florida hospitals had no available intensive care unit beds on Friday – including six facilities in Hillsborough County – as coronavirus cases rise throughout the state.

WHAT: Since March, 1199SEIU healthcare workers have been doing everything they can to keep patients, communities and themselves safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, while facing enormous pressure every day. They have been without consistent access to vital, appropriate, and fitting personal protective equipment (PPE), often haven’t had the information needed to do their jobs, and received mixed messages from management. They have risked their health, and some have risked their lives.

Pledge to Vote for Vice President Joe Biden, let’s build an America for All in 2020!