(un)Fair representation

For many years, management (unlimited employees) have worked for the fund under a contract without union representation.

Logic says that if we work for 1199 National Benefit Fund, there is no need for union representation, after all, we work for a union who's primary goal is "to secure a highly satisfied and motivated workforce with high morale and a strong voice on the job" a union that fights for "dignity, respect and fairness for our members and our families".

As we know, since last year, all of these principles have gone out the window. Fair representation or even the "right" to fair representation do not exist if you are an unlimited employee at the fund. We are told by the Director of Human Resources and her Manager of Labor Relations that as unlimited employees, we have no resources. Unfair accusations of poor performance, rules violations, theft, insubordination, etc have gone uncontested and have caused many of us to lose our jobs. Under the new Director of Human Resources, a record number of employees who were terminated have been re-instated. Although this is a clear victory for the employees, it brings to light the unfair practices of her administration. How many more times do employees need to take their case to the Labor Board in order to get their job back? How many more times does the State of New York needs to prove to our Human Resources that they are being unfair to their employees?.

Yes, although we work for 1199SEIU, we are not protected against the same illegal employer practices we have fought against for so many years. No delegates to represent us. No “Weingarten Rights”, nothing at all…

Is it time for us to organize? The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 guarantees and protects the rights of workers to organize, and to take part in strikes and other forms of concerted activity in support of their demands. Is 1199SEIU the right choice to represent us?

Voice your opinion.


"We are all in this together, by ourselves."