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. ]]>
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.
]]>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.
]]>For the first time in history, 32 states, including Maryland, will allow early voting for a general election. Among those organizing to get themselves and their co-workers to the polls early are caregivers at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Baltimore’s fastest-growing healthcare union, 1199SEIU, will be shuttling hospital employees from Hopkins to a nearby early polling location. Caregivers will board shuttles during their lunch breaks and shift changes at the historic front entrance of Hopkins' main medical campus, on Broadway.
]]>Hundreds of thousands of Americans from every walk of life packed onto the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Saturday, October 2 for the One Nation Working Together rally, calling for jobs, justice and education for all. Among those attending the march were about 100 concerned healthcare workers boarding buses with 1199SEIU in Baltimore.
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Graduates are recognized at the 1199SEIU Training & Employment Fund graduation ceremony.Members who took advantage of 1199SEIU’s Training & Employment Fund were on hand with their friends and families Wednesday for a graduation ceremony at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum. The event recognized their accomplishments in completing courses to upgrade their skills, advance their careers, and provide the highest standard of patient care.]]>
CEOs make millions while health care workers struggle
In my 21 years as a patient care technician at the University of Maryland Medical Center, I've known many co-workers who are paid so little that they are forced to live in public housing, can't afford health care for their own kids and rely on food stamps to feed their families.
So when I found out that the former CEO of the University of Maryland Medical System was paid almost $8 million in one year alone ("Hospital CEO pay is sweet," Aug. 29), I nearly fell out of my chair. This seems to be a symptom of a larger problem in America, where Wall Street, big banks and CEOs make millions while working families struggle to just make ends meet.
That's why I'm organizing a union with 1199SEIU and the Heart of Baltimore campaign. We're calling on all hospital and nursing home CEOs to allow us, the workers who actually provide care every day, to have free and fair union elections. With a union, we'll have a voice for quality patient care and more fairness in the workplace. And if health care workers and our families have better lives, then our whole city, not just the country club set, will benefit.
Kim McCray, Baltimore
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August 28, 2010
Hospital CEOs get seven-figure salaries, country club memberships
Critics question whether nonprofits should pay so handsomely
Baltimore-area hospital CEOs and presidents boast seven-figure salaries, club and gym memberships, and paid financial planning and tax services as part of compensation packages from their nonprofit employers.
Nearly a dozen hospitals cover country club dues for top executives. Carroll Hospital, in reporting the compensation to the IRS, disclosed that it requires its chief executive officer to be a member of the exclusive local clubs "to facilitate hospital interaction with the community" and because of the "potential for donors."
At the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, top executives were given thousands of dollars to spend on health equipment, tuition and other personal expenditures.
Hundreds Rally with Danny Glover In the Heart of Baltimore!
On June 24, 2010, hundreds of Baltimore healthcare workers and supporters held an historic rally in Mount Vernon Square for free & fair union elections. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake, actor and activist Danny Glover, and healthcare workers themselves described how free and fair union elections will ensure better care and better jobs for Baltimore.
TV Coverage
TV coverage from The Heart of Baltimore Rally with Danny Glover on June 24th, 2010.
Passed 6-0, resolution aims to protect quality patient care and ensure living wages in county’s biggest industry, healthcare, which has 15% of jobs
Monday’s vote comes less than two weeks before major healthcare workers’ rally in downtown Baltimore on June 24th with Danny Glover, other special guests
TOWSON, Md. — The Baltimore County Council passed a resolution Monday endorsing free and fair union elections for all hospital and nursing home workers in every facility throughout the county. The resolution, which passed 6-0, calls on healthcare employers to work together with caregivers to ensure quality care and quality jobs in Baltimore County. The Baltimore City Council passed a similar resolution in October.
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