Community-based Care Workers Across the Country Choose 1199SEIU

  • “I’m excited to welcome BHCHP into 1199! The difference between a non-union and union facility is huge, and our solidarity is what makes us strong.”

    Anestine Bentick (she/her), Lead Medical Assistant, South Boston Community Health Center

  • “I stand united with my fellow healthcare workers as we fight for higher wages and respect. We are in this together.”

    Beret Otero (she/her), Healthcare Assistant, PPLM

  • “Our new 1199SEIU contract at BMC elevates financial compensation, work life balance, and safety for every single nurse, reinforcing that we are valued and important. We are now the highest paid nurses in Boston because of our unity in 1199.”

    Katlyn Campbell (she/her), RN, Boston Medical Center

  • “I have received great benefits with my union!”

    Thomas Sandimanie (he/him), Maintenance, Institute for Family Health, NY

  • “Join us for workplace equity, social justice, and camaraderie!”

    John Alvarado (he/him), Social Worker, Callen-Lorde, NY

Uniting in 1199SEIU gives community health workers an effective voice to raise standards for our profession and our patients and clients. 1199SEIU community health workers have won:

  • Respect!

  • Workplace safety

  • Low or no-cost healthcare

  • Fair wages with regular raises

  • Strong job security and a voice in client services

  • No cost continuing education and training opportunities

A proud history and mission

1199 was founded by a group of pharmacists over 80 years ago and now we represent over 450,000 healthcare workers throughout Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Washington D.C. 1199SEIU is the largest, strongest healthcare worker union in the country. Our members work in every part of the healthcare industry, including community health centers and homecare. We’re guided by a mission to achieve quality healthcare for all, and good, secure jobs for those who provide care.  

1199SEIU Workers Are at the Forefront of Social Justice

1199SEIU members share with community health clinics a dedication to responding to the diverse needs of some of our most vulnerable populations. From the civil rights struggle to LGBTQ+ rights, 1199SEIU workers have a long history of standing at the forefront of social justice movements, including:  

  • Black Lives Matter

  • Fight for $15

  • Marriage equality and LGBTQ+ workforce protections

  • Reproductive rights and abortion access  

“The Authentic Conscience of the Labor Movement”   

1199SEIU community health workers have successfully partnered with community-based organizations to win essential victories for the patients and clients we serve. This includes making sure there is adequate funding for healthcare and expanding access to care for marginalized communities. Since 1932, our dedication to an equitable, healthy, safe, and just world has never faltered. This is why Dr. Martin Luther King called 1199 “the authentic conscience of the labor movement.”  

Leigh Howard, Social Worker, Callen-Lorde, NY

“1199 is my choice because of their rich social justice history and ongoing dedication to meeting the needs of diverse communities.”