As contract bargaining continues, SEIU 721 members throughout the Northeast Valley Health Corporation are keeping up the pressure on management. We’re demonstrating that we know our full union rights. This includes taking regularly scheduled breaks and clocking out for a full lunch during the work week – rights that are spelled out in our union contract.
Our first demonstration took place on August 1, when workers from WIC centers throughout the San Fernando Valley participated. This includes more than 70 members from the Panorama City Health Center, who came out for a spirited rally.
After enjoying a meal together at the Knollwood Country Club, we took our message to the streets to spread the word that we will stand united for our communities and we will fight against cuts that will harm the patients we serve.
Members from all departments participated and the Contract Action Team deserves big praise – especially union steward Rosalinda Peraza, whose work was incredible.
But this was just the beginning! On August 7, two dozen members from the San Fernando Health Center held a demonstration.
More than two dozen of our fellow Brothers and Sisters stood outside in the summer sunshine to take a strong stance for a strong contract.
Determined to stand united for our clinics, we proved that we understand the direct connection between a strong front-line workforce and strong set of services for our patients.
Many thanks to SEIU 721 Executive Board members Alina Mendizabal and Adolfo Granados as well as Joe Martinez – an outstanding union steward based out of Los Angeles – for joining us.
We didn’t stop there! Demonstrations continued and, on August 9, several dozen members from both the Pacoima Health Center and the Pacoima Women’s Health Center braved incredibly intense heat to stand up for our union rights, for a strong contract and for the patients we serve.
Our message was clear: When working families are under attack, we stand up and we fight back!
We are incredibly proud to have earned the support of Dr. Wendy Fields, a member of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. This is exactly the kind of inter-union solidarity that will lead us to victory.
If we want a strong contract, we’re going to have to fight for it. So let’s make sure to PURPLE UP on Fridays by wearing our SEIU 721 gear so we can show our solidarity for our fellow NEVHC Brothers and Sisters as contract bargaining continues.
And don’t forget: Our next demonstration is on August 16 starting at 11:30 A.M. at the Canoga Park WIC, 7101 Remmet Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91303. We’ll see you there!
In the meantime, feel free to go to our NEVHC Bargaining Headquarters for more information. Together, we win!