D.C. Caregivers Ratify First Contract at J.B. Johnson Nursing Home
Friday, February 1, 2013
(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)After nearly three years, caregivers at J.B. Johnson Nursing Center in Northwest
Washington, DC have finally secured their first contract. The members of SEIU 1199 United Healthcare Workers
East voted overwhelmingly to ratify it on January 23rd. “This has been a
long time coming; management said we’d never have a contract,” said David
Hickman (right, in cap), a CNA and a leader in forming the union at J.B.
Johnson. “There were times when people were too scared to get involved. But
just like the re-election of our President, this first contract shows that money
doesn’t always win. This time, the workers won because we stayed in the fight,
and the union stood with us.” The contract includes a bonus, improves paid
leave and guarantees that it cannot be taken away. It also restricts the
employer from making arbitrary decisions in scheduling and advancement, and it
protects workers’ health insurance benefits. Caregivers like Hickman, who have
struggled over many months at J.B. Johnson to improve working conditions and
patient care, are quick to point out that their first contract is a major step
to building the power needed to win those improvements. “Now we have an
enforceable contract,” continues Hickman. “We have a grievance process and
some protection against favoritism and arbitrary decisions by management. In
other words, we’ve got a great start.”