SEIU Healthcare 775NW

Homecare Workers File Lawsuit, Charge Governor’s Budget Illegal

Federal Way (Dec. 29, 2008) -- SEIU Healthcare 775NW filed a lawsuit today with the Washington State Supreme Court today charging that Governor Gregoire violated state law by failing to include funding for the homecare worker union contract in her proposed 2009-11 budget. The contract provides a modest raise – 25-cents in 2009 and 22-cents in 2010 – to 23,000 low-wage workers who earn less than $11/hour to care for vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities.

The lawsuit asks the Supreme Court to exercise its authority to order the Governor to withdraw the budget proposal she submitted to the Legislature on December 18, 2008, and to instead submit a proper balanced budget proposal that includes funding for the contract.

“Without our contract being funded I could very well lose my health insurance,” said homecare worker Denise Garcia. “And with the cost of living continuing to rise I’ve been counting on this raise to help pay the bills.”

» Read more

Join us for Lobby Day 2009 in Olympia

Monday, February 9

Please join us for our annual Lobby Day at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia.

(RSVP today. Fill out the form online.)

This is our union's chance to make a major mark on state government. Don't miss the excitement of our annual Lobby Day. We will hold legislators accountable, make quality care a high priority and fight for better wages and benefits.

Because of the bad economy, Washington State is facing a $5 billion budget deficit. Some politicians think they can fix it by proposing cuts to long-term care.

Protect Homecare for Seniors and People with Disabilities

December 9 -- You’ve probably read about the more than $5 billion deficit facing the state – a figure that could rise to more than $6 billion by the spring. That’s almost 20 percent of the entire state budget

As usual, some politicians and bureaucrats want to balance the state budget on the backs of seniors, people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Some politicians and bureaucrats are already proposing reducing hours of care for home care services.

Others want to ignore the will of the voters and repeal I-1029, which improves training for long-term care workers. Deep cuts to nursing homes, adult day health and other critical services for the vulnerable are also at stake. These same bureaucrats and politicians are refusing to even consider cutting the 500 corporate tax loopholes that cost billions of dollars a year.

It’s time to send them a message about our real priorities. Tell them to cut corporate tax loopholes – not essential services for the most vulnerable.

Send the Governor, your State Senator and your State Representatives a message today!!

Homecare Workers, Clients Criticize Proposed Cuts to Home Care Services

November 25 -- In a YouTube video released today, a quadriplegic home care client and her caregiver speak out against discussion of cuts to vital home care services in the state’s Priorities of Government report. They also call attention to the POG’s failure to consider closing the 500+ corporate tax loopholes that cost the state billions of dollars per year in lost revenue.

“The state has made great strides over the last several decades giving seniors and people with disabilities access to quality care in their own homes – which is good for consumers and good for taxpayers,” said SEIU Healthcare 775NW Vice-President Adam Glickman. “Cutting home care services would take us in the wrong direction, undermining the progress legislators have made and threatening the ability of vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities to live independently with dignity in their own homes.”

» Read more

Internship Opportunity with SEIU Healthcare 775NW

Meet Fellow Caregivers ** Develop Leadership Skills ** Learn More About Our Union ** Fight for Healthcare for All

Marianne Brown This is your opportunity to get paid to meet other caregivers, learn more about our union, fight for healthcare reform and develop your own leadership skills.

This is not a permanent job with SEIU Healthcare 775NW.

This is an eight week (40 hours per week) paid internship starting in January.

For more information call (866) 371-3200

» Read more

Sign the Employee Free Choice Act Petition Today!

Workers across the country deserve a fair chance to unite with their co-workers for better wages and benefits and a chance to create a better future for their kids. There’s a bill right now in Congress that would make sure all workers get a fair chance at achieving the American Dream. It’s time for all workers to have the chance to unite for a voice on the job. With your help, we will present the president and Congress with 1 million signatures urging them to enact the Employee Free Choice Act. Please add your name today.

Click here for more information