1199 is at a Crossroads - WE MUST ACT NOW!

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Every three years, we decide the future of our union. 
This April, vote for leadership that puts members first.

Here’s the truth… 
President George Gresham is holding our union back. 

For too long, he has divided us—punishing those who challenge him, because his voice is the only voice he hears in a room, while consolidating power for himself and a select few. He neglects the responsibilities of leadership by refusing to fill critical positions, canceling essential meetings, and claiming sole credit for victories won by our members.

Meanwhile, the new administration and its allies continue to attack democracy, slash Medicare and Medicaid, weaken our collective power, and threaten our communities. 1199 must be prepared to fight back. However, instead of preparing for these battles, President Gresham has handpicked a slate of candidates who lack the experience necessary to lead, all to maintain his grip on power.

That’s why 85% of the current leadership—those who have fought for and won critical victories—have united to form the Members First Unity Slate. We know that President Gresham alone is holding us back.

Let’s unite to secure the future of our Union.
Vote Yvonne Armstrong, Veronica Turner-Biggs, and the entire Members First Unity Slate

The Members First Unity Slate 100-Day Plan for Change:

Yvonne Armstrong, Veronica Turner-Biggs, and the Members First Unity Slate have a plan to build a stronger, more democratic, and member-driven 1199. Here’s how:

✅ A Union with Real Leadership by Proven Leaders – With 85% of current officers standing with Members First Unity Slate, we will bring our experience, unity, and a concrete plan to protect and grow 1199.

✅ A Union That Recognizes Members’ Power – We will restore the power of the Executive Council, ensuring members once again have a real voice in how our union is run.

✅ A Union That is Transparent & Accountable – We will reestablish the committees required by our constitution to guarantee a clear and shared understanding of our finances and decision-making.

✅ A Union That Reflects and Fights for All Members – Our union is diverse and powerful, and we must ensure that every worker has the opportunity to thrive. From home care workers in New York to nursing home workers in New Jersey, Maryland, and Florida, from community health workers in Massachusetts to hospital workers in Upstate New York, the Members First Unity Slate is committed to securing strong contracts and fair wages for every worker in every region.

✅ A Union That Stays United & Ready to Fight – We must stand together to resist attacks on our union, our jobs, and our communities. Members First Unity Slate is ready to lead that fight.

PRESIDENT GRESHAM IS HOLDING US BACK - HERE’S HOW

❌ Takes Credit for Member Victories – Contract wins happen because members organize and fight together, not because of one man at the top.

❌ Unprepared for the Challenges Ahead – We face threats to our democracy, healthcare system, and union rights. President Gresham’s failure to lead leaves us unprepared to fight back or even allows us to conduct the business of our union required by our constitution. 

❌ Weak and Divisive Leadership – Instead of uniting 1199, President Gresham hoards power, silences those who disagree with him and creates division. He leaves critical positions unfilled and cancels key meetings, weakening our union. His leadership is about control, not strength.

❌ Failure to Plan for the Future – We need leadership ready to confront the attacks ahead. Instead, President Gresham pouts, refuses to meet with officers who challenge him, and puts personal grudges over the needs of our members.