Setting the Record Straight on our BENEFITS
We see it’s time to set the record straight again, because our opposition is committed to spreading lies.
The Members First Unity Slate is 100% committed to maintaining all of your benefits.
Here’s what you should know:
Our benefits were secured back in 1989 when former President Dennis Rivera led the union. Our benefits are negotiated every three years through our contract with the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Nursing Homes (League).
The team that negotiates the League contract is made up of HUNDREDS of elected bargaining committee members and tens of thousands of rank and file members that are engaged by 1199 organizers.
Every single Downstate leader on the Members First Unity Slate has been at the table, alongside your local elected delegates, to protect your benefits during the League negotiation process!
As usual, President Gresham is trying to take credit for something that was won before he got into office, and that is protected by the efforts of the bargaining committee and rank and file members. You may see his face in the victory photos, but the truth is, like other large organizations, the president usually is the one in the photos but not the one on the ground doing the work.
The leaders of the Members First Unity Slate have dedicated themselves to working tirelessly on behalf of 1199 members. You KNOW Yvonne Armstrong, Veronica Turner-Biggs, Nadine Williamson, Charles Nystrom and the rest of the slate. We have listened to your concerns, answered your questions, and held the League accountable for maintaining the benefits you have earned.
President Gresham and his inexperienced slate are once again spreading lies. They believe they can secure victory by creating an environment of fear amongst 1199 members. The Members First Unity Slate WILL NOT DO THAT to our dedicated 1199 members, because that’s not who we are. We understand the economic hardship many of our members are feeling right now.
WE promise to fight to improve and maintain your benefits.
WE promise never to use fear as a tactic.