DC Homecare Workers Win Union

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
Workers at the DC-based Nursing Enterprises overcame a “vicious fear campaign” by management and voted overwhelmingly to form a union last Tuesday, reports 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers-East. “Now that we have our union, we can make the positive changes we all need,” said Nursing Enterprises worker Eula Sheffey. Sheffey and many of her colleagues in the homecare industry work for poverty wages and without affordable healthcare, sick days or other benefits, says 1199SEIU. “I voted yes for sick leave,” says Shirely Kinney. “I had to have knee surgery, and was out of work for close to 6 months without pay – I couldn't pay my bills.” Access to sick leave and improved wages were also important motivations for Doris Martu – another worker at Nursing Enterprises – during last Tuesday’s vote. “We need a raise so I have the ability to take care of my family the way they deserve,” says Martu. The election victory comes on the heels of two other successful homecare worker organizing drives over the past year.