FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 19, 2019
Contact: Chelsea Connor | cconnor@rwdsu.org | 347-866-6259
WORKERS AT VALLEY VIEW MANOR NURSING HOME IN NORWICH, NY, OVERWHELMINGLY VOTE TO JOIN RWDSU
(NORWICH, NY): Today, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), announced that the workers at Valley View Manor Nursing Home (VVM) in Norwich, New York voted overwhelmingly to join the union. Workers at VVM are fighting for a real voice and fair treatment in the workplace for workers and patients alike including fair scheduling, paid time off, and fair wages. Today’s vote affirms workers’ right to fair representation, a seat at the table, and a real chance to help the patients at their facility.
“We’re proud to welcome the workers of Valley View Manor into the union. They showed that the best way for working people to protect themselves and their families is to join together in a union,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). “It is clear that nursing home workers want change not just for themselves, but for their patients. Today’s victory helps both. The courage workers at Valley View Manor showed today will ensure that their voices are heard and that lasting changes to the facility are made.”
“When we work together, we win together. For far too long our patients haven’t received the care they need due to our poor scheduling practices. I’m proud that we were able to win a voice at the table for both workers and the people we care for every day. I know everyone who works alongside me knows that representation from the union will change our future here. We’re ready to get to work on a fair contract that will help workers and patients here at Valley View Manor,” said Christine Taranto, Valley View Manor LPN.
“It's inspiring to see workers from within my community standing up in their workplace for what they believe in. It takes great strength and courage, and they were steadfast in their commitment,” said Jason Chesebro, RWDSU organizer and local resident.
The nearly unanimous vote to unionize by workers at Valley View Manor was conducted on June 19, 2019 during two NLRB election sessions. The RWDSU will represent approximately 60 workers at the nursing home facility in contract negotiations. The workers in the bargaining unit handle all operations at the facility and include LPNS, CNAs, laundry, maintenance as well as the dietary and activity programing of patients.
