This week the 85 Certified Nursing Assistants (C.N.A.s) employed by Samaritan Summit Village in Watertown, New York voted to join the 1199SEIU family. They are now looking forward to negotiating a contract where they will address pressing issues like frequent staff turnover, stagnant wages and a fair workplace. They will join their co-workers, LPNs and other service workers who are already 1199 members, in making their voices heard to enrich quality and continuity of care for their residents and improve the quality of life for workers and residents alike.

Lisa Lowes, a C.N.A. who was part of the organizing committee said when she went in for her shift last night the mood amongst the staff was “ecstatic”.

“The victory was a great morale booster and should now give us a voice to improve staffing levels. It is good to know that we are all working together and have each other’s backs,” she added.

“I was an 1199 member before, when I used to work at the Mercy nursing home in Watertown before it closed. We were all really happy to come into work there and people rarely called in sick. This meant it was a lot easier to maintain the staffing levels we need to provide quality care to the residents,” said Ms. Lowes.

Dustin Nottingham, another C.N.A. added, “We are stronger if we stand together,” and Steve Ashcroft, C.N.A. said after the victory was announced, “I’m feeling like we’ve learned a lot together and I’m looking forward to seeing more equal opportunities.”

1199SEIU is the largest healthcare workers union in the US, with more than 400,000 members in five states along the Eastern seaboard. We are one of the fastest growing unions in the country.