Healthcare Workers Endorse Rawlings-Blake, Praising Her Commitment to a Healthy Baltimore

Members of 1199SEIU, Baltimore’s healthcare union, give key early backing to mayor, citing her longstanding work for quality healthcare and quality jobs

First labor endorsement of mayoral race goes to Rawlings-Blake; issued by caregivers with strong record of early backing, electing progressive candidates

BALTIMORE - The healthcare workers of 1199SEIU formally announced their endorsement Thursday of Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake in the election for Baltimore City mayor.

"Our members have voted to endorse Stephanie Rawlings-Blake because no one has worked harder to build a healthy Baltimore," said John Reid, executive vice president of 1199SEIU, Baltimore’s healthcare union. "As a city council member, as council president and now as mayor, she’s fought tirelessly for quality healthcare - and for quality healthcare jobs. By helping caregivers to win a voice for our patients and a better life for our families, she’s helping to improve the quality of life for everyone in Baltimore."

The early backing of the healthcare workers is one of the most important endorsements in Baltimore and Maryland elections. It’s a people-powered endorsement, with substantial numbers of SEIU members going door-to-door for candidates who share their values. It is widely considered the most powerful grassroots election operation in Maryland. 

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Millions in Unpaid Taxes Sought at Maryland Chamber of Commerce

Labor-community coalition will press Thursday for hundreds of millions in taxes owed by Maryland corporations and millionaires

Coalition’s taxpayer advocates delivering “Past Due” notices at Chamber, saying it’s time to pass Millionaire’s Tax and Combined Reporting

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Dozens of taxpayer advocates will descend on the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Thursday to expose a brazen tax evasion scheme at the state’s leading business lobby. The Chamber is trying to block legislation that would ensure that wealthy residents and corporations pay their fair share in taxes.

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Read’s Drug Store Preservation Effort Gaining Momentum with Thursday Union-Community Rally

Two SEIU locals, including Maryland’s largest healthcare union, join growing movement to save historic civil rights site

Dr. Helena Hicks, protestor at 1955 sit-in to desegregate Read’s lunch counter, will speak at rally, announce next steps in campaign

BALTIMORE — Union and community activists will rally Thursday to save the historic Read’s Drug Store building in downtown Baltimore. The rally will feature remarks from Dr. Helena Hicks, one of the eight protestors at the 1955 sit-in to desegregate the whites-only lunch counter at Read’s.

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New Heart of Baltimore Mailers Hit the Streets

Thousands of Maryland healthcare professionals have received new Heart of Baltimore brochures in the mail during the last few weeks. The brochure outlines some of the exciting goals and achievements of the Heart of Baltimore campaign, and invites professionals to join the movement to have a voice at work.  Take a look!  And if you haven't received your copy yet, print out a copy and send in your application today.

Union Caregivers Play Major Role in Re-electing Governor O’Malley, Forecasting How 1199 Will Shape Future Political Races

SEIU's President Mary Kay Henry canvasses in Maryland with Sinai Hospital Worker and Member Political Organizer Byron Beckford

BALTIMORE, MD – Local caregivers worked closely with their union, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, to play a major role in yesterday’s re-election of Governor Martin O’Malley. The massive effort was indicative of how the union will shape future political races as one of the foremost voices for working families and quality healthcare in the region.

Lenae Jones, a patient support associate at Johns Hopkins Hospital, is exemplary of the political commitment and energy of 1199SEIU members. Ms. Jones rose at 4:30 a.m. on Monday to meet Governor O’Malley for shift change at her hospital.  She introduced hundreds of her co-workers to the Governor and together they reminded them to vote on Election Day.  Jones is one of twenty-five Member Political Organizers (MPOs) who took a leave of absence from their jobs to work full-time for 1199SEIU during campaign season. MPOs educate union members and the public about issues and candidates, and mobilize them to get involved and vote.

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