Ashland Nursing & Rehabilitation Workers Join UFCW 400
Monday, November 15, 2010(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
On November 2, over 60 “certified nursing aides, restorative
aides, activity aides and maintenance employees of the Ashland Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center took their first step towards a fair and equal
workplace,” reports UFCW Local 400. “It all started this past winter when
Certified Nursing Aides (CNA’s) from the Ashland Nursing and Rehabilitation
Center were ordered to stay put during a winter storm. They could not return
home to children, had to sleep on the floor and eat out of snack machines. Later
in the year, six African American CNA’s and LPN’s were strip-searched and
harassed by their supervisors. After meeting with Virginia State NAACP
officials, a union organizing campaign emerged.” Marcia Walker – a CNA and
member of the bargaining committee – said, “I was very happy with the way
the election turned out.” She added, “[We are one step closer towards] job
security we did not have before and a contract that will treat everyone the
same.” Election observer for the union Crystal Holland said, “The fight for
union representation was long, hard and challenging…but now we have someone to
back us up. I look forward to a more fair and balanced workplace for
employees.” – story/photo adapted from a report on UFCW
400’s website