THE UNION DIFFERENCE
Workers are the union: we make the decisions.
A union is simple: it’s an organization made up of us and our fellow workers, because we have more power together than we do alone. Right now, Management controls everything about our jobs—and Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital techs have no voice. Once we win our union, Federal law protects our current working conditions from being changed without our input.
A union contract is the only promise that counts.
When we form our union, we win the right to hold management accountable with a legally-binding contract that guarantees job improvements in writing. Without a legally-binding contract, management can change the handbooks and policies however and whenever it suits them. United in 1199SEIU, we will have the support of over 450,000 members when we negotiate our first contract, giving us the strength and expertise to win the best possible contracts.
Let’s look at the specifics:
Compare what Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital techs have with no union to what 1199SEIU members have fought for and won.
VOICE AND RESPECT
No Union
Management has the final say in everything.
Management may modify or eliminate any benefits or programs it currently provides, as well as increase the cost to employees of such benefits and programs.
1199 Members
Employees have a real voice and are respected.
Management has to sit down with employees and negotiate wages and benefits in a written contract.
Worker-management committees meet regularly to address safe staffing, scope of practice, job safety, patient care and other policies.
HEALTH BENEFITS
No Union
Expensive and limited.
Employees can pay hundreds of dollars a month for health, dental, vision and prescriptions, especially with family coverage.
1199 Members
Healthcare at no cost.
Most full-time (and many part-time) 1199 members have no-cost health, vision, dental and prescriptions for employee, children and spouse.
No premiums, no deductibles, no co-pays.
RETIREMENT
No Union
Insecurity and risk.
Amount fluctuates with the stock market
You don’t know what your retirement will be until the day you retire.
1199 Members
Strong, secure pension.
If we fight for and win the 1199 Pension, we would keep all of the retirement money we currently have invested.
Then we would continue to earn more with our 1199 Pension, with a guaranteed monthly payout for the rest of our lives when we retire.
Vested in pension after 5 years of service.
JOB SECURITY
No Union
Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital is an ‘at will’ employer, which means you can be terminated at any time—with or without cause and with or without notice—for any lawful reasons.
1199 Members
Protections against layoffs and subcontracting.
A fair disciplinary procedure so workers are not fired without just cause.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
1199 Members
Education at no cost.
6 free credits per semester at CUNY and SUNY schools, no out of pocket expenses.
No-cost continuing medical education seminars and conferences.
No Union
None.
CHILDCARE
1199 Members
Childcare benefits at no cost or low cost
Includes vouchers for day care and summer camp.