A Member's View of the Rally: Manny Guzman
Ever since we were told that 1199 SEIU would be having a "Heart of Baltimore" campaign here in our backyard (Baltimore), our members jumped to say, “Yes we will support you!”
Our local (R3-19) at VAMHCS (VA Maryland Health Care System) is composed of RNs who are dedicated to the care of those who serve this nation. Our members are doing double duty—not just at the VA but also serving the communities where they live.
As employees of the federal sector, we too are impacted by many factors affecting our brothers and sisters who work in the private sector and in other health care settings. Under the guidance and mentoring of experienced leaders at Local R3-19, we view this rally as an opportunity to show that we CARE about issues that impact every single health worker in the Baltimore area.
Attending the rally was an experience that can only be expressed by feelings in your heart, being there, seeing so many people from different genders, races, places and backgrounds coming together to address one thing: Telling hospital and nursing home employers to agree to free and fair union elections instead of fighting against the workers' desire to organize a union.
In my opinion, we are living in the greatest nation—so advanced in technology, science, research and medicine. It is time now to evolve in the labor field.
Health industry employers in the Baltimore area should understand that unions and the labor movement will benefit everyone in their communities, impacting directly or indirectly their own families and all potential clients/patients.
This country was made by those having fairness and freedom in their heart and soul. These values are values that SEIU and NAGE members have, and will continue to have, in serving this nation and those we care for, day by day in hospitals, NHCU/CLC's and at home.