LATTA ROAD NURSING HOME WORKERS TO VOTE ON UNION NEXT WEEK

(Rochester)--Licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, dietary, housekeeping, and maintenance employees of Latta Road and Latta Road A Nursing Homes will vote next week on whether to form a chapter of 1199 SEIU New York's Health Care and Human Service Union.

"We hoping to improve things for the residents." said Kathy Clayton, a certified nursing assistant at Latta. "We're also looking for some security for the staff."

"I'm a single parent with four children. I work extra hours every week just to make ends meet." said Freda Flemming, a certified nursing assistant. "Someday, I'd like to own a house; something for me and the kids. Forming a union will help me get benefits, and be a better mom."

The vote will be conducted on site by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Officials of the facility and the union agreed on a May 13 date.

"We need to improve conditions for both residents and staff." said Catherine Porter, a licensed practical nurse. "With the union, we'll be able to make our voices heard about decisions that affect us and our residents."

Latta Road and Latta Road A are both 40 bed skilled nursing facilities that share common ownership and management. The two homes are located at 2100 and 2102 Latta Road in the Town of Greece. Staff at both facilities will vote together and form a single bargaining unit.

1199 SEIU members in the Rochester area work at Strong Memorial Hospital, Jordan Health Center, Jennifer Matthew Nursing Center, Arbor Hill Care Center, and Wesley Gardens Nursing Home, as well as at over 300 other health facilities across New York State.

For further information, please contact Bruce Popper at 585-244-0830 x316, or Rickey Elliott at 585-738-5060 (cellphone).