As the nation pauses to give thanks, I am thinking of our union family. Many of you will eat turkey dinners in a break room, work overtime to cover for coworkers, and make the holiday special for those you care for, away from your own families.
The care you give and your advocacy for the people who count on you goes far beyond the bedside. In just the last two weeks, healthcare workers across Pennsylvania have again made the power of working people clear. Read more about our incredible week below.
Wishing all of you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
In Unity,
Matthew Yarnell, President, SEIU Healthcare PA
November Member Update
Build Back Better: For Better Care and Better Jobs
For many months, home care workers have joined with millions of other essential workers and American families to demand Congress pass the Build Back Better Act, which will give all Americans the chance to thrive. The House of Representatives has heard those demands and the Act passed the House and moved onto the Senate as home care workers showed up in D.C. to advocate for the improvements they need. Read more about how Build Back Better will improve home care.
UPMC Workers Take to the Streets to Form Their Union
On November 19th, healthcare workers from UPMC hospitals across Pittsburgh walked out to demand $20/hr, safer staffing, better working conditions, and the right to form their union without retaliation or interference.
In the past year, these essential frontline workers watched UPMC — the largest private employer in the state — rake in $1 billion in profit in its best year ever while workers struggle to make ends meet, drown in medical debt, and carry an immense burden of overwork and grief. Learn more about their fight.
Supporting Those Who Support Us
This week, Philadelphia nursing home worker and union member Cyrell Green joined hundreds of SEIU members in Philadelphia to support Josh Shapiro for PA Governor. “Like so many essential workers, I deal with low wages, short staffing, and lack of respect. Josh Shapiro values the work I do. He supports safe staffing, including new nursing home staffing regulations. And he knows we need to EXPAND and strengthen unions in Pennsylvania to give workers across every industry a real voice at our jobs.” Read more from Cyrell.
Workshops and Trainings Coming Soon!
In December, we will launch virtual trainings and workshops to build stronger chapters and grow our union! Coming off our successful 2021 Leadership Assembly, these online classes will be free to all union members who want to enhance their leadership skills and learn more about the power of SEIU.
Engaging More Members for Stronger Union Chapters. This is a 3 session series, focused on the basic building blocks of how to have strong and effectives union chapters and the steps on how to get more members participating in different roles.
Why is Healthcare Such a Mess ? The Covid Pandemic is a strain on an already broken healthcare system. This session will look at why our healthcare system is one focused on profit ahead of patients and what would help change the system.
More information coming soon!