Unity Living Center workers unionize

Rochester, N.Y.-- Certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, activity aides and secretaries at Unity Living Center will join the 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East union after an election Thursday supervised by the National Labor Relations Board.

Unity Living Center, a 120-bed nursing home at 89 Genesee St., is part of Unity Health System.

In a statement prepared by 1199 SEIU, certified nursing assistant Evelyn Cruz said, “We are proud that we’re now able to negotiate for better wages, health care and working conditions. The low quality of our working conditions will no longer be so far from the high quality of care that our patients receive.”

Unity president and chief executive office Warren Hern wrote, “Unity Health System has always provided all our employees a safe and healthful work environment, recognition for a job well-done and competitive pay and benefits. None of those things — nor any other aspect of the way we operate — can or will change as a result of this vote. While we respect the law and our workers’ right to reach this decision, we must be honest and say that we believe our people would be far better off by keeping, saving and investing the money they will now be forced to spend on union dues.”

1199 SEIU represents workers at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Anthony Jordan Health Center and other health care facilities.