Throughout the pandemic, SEIU 1199NE’s workers served on the frontlines, caring for Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents and keeping local and state governments operational to support the community. 1199’s workers, disproportionately Black, Brown and women, put their lives on the line for a state and an economy that treated them as disposable. For over a year, 1199NE has partnered with a statewide coalition and the Bargaining for the Common Good network to fight for the dignity and respect of Connecticut’s essential workers and most vulnerable communities.
This Spring, the fight paid off as 1199’s long-term care (LTC) workers won groundbreaking demands around racial and economic justice. As part of Connecticut’s “Recovery for All Coalition,” workers were able to secure commitments to funding for community services for all Connecticuters.
Check out some of the wins from the campaign below:
Recovery for All Coalition Wins
Expanded funding for mental health services, including mobile crisis units to respond to health crises without police involvement
Funding increases for long-term care, public education, and public services
Expanded services for undocumented Connecticut residents
Racial and Economic Justice Wins for 1199 Workers
Tracking discipline by race and gender
Juneteenth as a paid holiday
Significant pay increases for LTC workers across job classifications and Defined Benefit Pensions for all nursing home members.
CNA’s from $15h/r to $20/hr
Nurses from $24/hr to $30/hr
Dietary, Housekeeping and Laundry from $14/hr to $18.50/hr
The fight is just getting started. 1199NE is building relationships in Connecticut between workers, faith leaders, and community organizations to build for a Connecticut for everyone, not just the rich and powerful. This powerful coalition is looking ahead to the fight for a moral budget, healthy communities, and a better future for Connecticut’s essential workers.
