EPISCOPAL CHURCH HOME EMPLOYEES FORM UNION

(Rochester)--Employees of the Episcopal Church Home have formed a chapter of 1199 SEIU New York's Health Care and Human Service Union. They have petitioned the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an election to gain formal recognition for their organization. <!--break--> EPISCOPAL CHURCH HOME EMPLOYEES FORM UNION (Rochester)--Employees of the Episcopal Church Home have formed a chapter of 1199 SEIU New York's Health Care and Human Service Union. They have petitioned the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an election to gain formal recognition for their organization. "We are forming a union to have a greater say in how decisions are made." said Patrice Barr, a certified nursing assistant at the Church Home for 14 years. "We are concerned about fairness, especially when it comes to job opportunities and compensation. Staff turnover is also a concern because it affects our ability to give good resident care." The NLRB held a hearing last month to set eligibility rules and a date for the election. The Labor Board's decision is expected shortly. Employee organizing committee members say they have signed up a substantial majority of their coworkers in support of the union. The group includes licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, ward clerks, housekeeping, dietary, and maintenance employees. "Our union has a lot of support. We're very optimistic." said Barr. The Episcopal Church Home is located at 505 Mt. Hope Avenue in Rochester. It is a 182 bed skilled nursing facility. Approximately 250 employees are expected to be included in the bargaining unit. 1199 SEIU is the largest union of health care employees in New York State. Locally, 1199 members work at Strong Memorial Hospital, Jordan Health Center, and Jennifer Matthew Nursing Home. For more information, please contact Bruce Popper at 585-244-0830 x316.

<p> (Rochester)--Employees of the Episcopal Church Home have formed a chapter of 1199 SEIU New York's Health Care and Human Service Union. They have petitioned the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an election to gain formal recognition for their organization.</p> <!--break--><p>EPISCOPAL CHURCH HOME EMPLOYEES FORM UNION</p> <p> (Rochester)--Employees of the Episcopal Church Home have formed a chapter of 1199 SEIU New York's Health Care and Human Service Union. They have petitioned the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an election to gain formal recognition for their organization.</p> <p> "We are forming a union to have a greater say in how decisions are made." said Patrice Barr, a certified nursing assistant at the Church Home for 14 years. "We are concerned about fairness, especially when it comes to job opportunities and compensation. Staff turnover is also a concern because it affects our ability to give good resident care."</p> <p> The NLRB held a hearing last month to set eligibility rules and a date for the election. The Labor Board's decision is expected shortly.</p> <p> Employee organizing committee members say they have signed up a substantial majority of their coworkers in support of the union. The group includes licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, ward clerks, housekeeping, dietary, and maintenance employees.</p> <p> "Our union has a lot of support. We're very optimistic." said Barr.</p> <p> The Episcopal Church Home is located at 505 Mt. Hope Avenue in Rochester. It is a 182 bed skilled nursing facility. Approximately 250 employees are expected to be included in the bargaining unit. 1199 SEIU is the largest union of health care employees in New York State. Locally, 1199 members work at Strong Memorial Hospital, Jordan Health Center, and Jennifer Matthew Nursing Home.</p> <p> For more information, please contact Bruce Popper at 585-244-0830 x316.</p>