POUGHKEEPSIE – The healthcare workers at The Pines at Poughkeepsie Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation have been working without a contract for more than a year and are picketing this afternoon (Wednesday) to raise awareness.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Sara Johnson has been working at the facility for one year and says the pay “is below the cost of living.”
There are currently 155 members of 1199SEIU working at the facility. The union members include CNAs, LPNs, housekeepers, dietary aides, and recreational aides.
“Affordable wages and a better retirement will help The Pines retain current staff and recruit additional help,” according to an 1199SEIU representative. The facility currently pays $20 an hour or less for the union workers. According to the union, “Some employees are only making minimum wage, despite the vital role they play in caring for many of the community’s most vulnerable people.”
“Residents can’t receive the continuity and quality care they deserve when there is a revolving door of caregivers,” said CNA Malcolm Olaker. Olaker echoed the union’s claim that the nursing home can’t retain and recruit a stable workforce “unless they provide retirement benefits that encourage workers to stay,” adding “It’s that simple.”
The union will be picketing from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the facility at 100 Franklin Street in Poughkeepsie.
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