Attention Head Start Employees!

Join Together with SEIU Local 200United!

Head Start employees across the country, from San Diego to the Hudson Valley, are coming together to make improvements for the children they care for.  They are joining together with the Service Employees International Union, the largest union of child care workers in America, representing more 80,000 early learning & care professionals at Head Start centers, child care centers and family child care.  SEIU Local 200United represents 15,000 workers across New York State, including both Head Start employees and workers at public schools across the state.  We are dedicated to making improvements for children across the state and country.

 

By working together, our members at Head Start are successfully advocating for their children and community, making improvements in their program, and winning meaningful job security, fair pay, and a voice in their workplace.

Pines at Olean Ratifies Contract

On Thursday, July 15th, the workers at the Pines at Olean approved their first contract with SEIU Local 200United. The  food service workers at the county-owned home, now members of SEIU Local 200United,  will for the first time have the respect and dignity afforded to workers with a union contract!

"We are ecstatic," says Nancy Travern, a cook at the center and a member of the bargaining committee. "We've waited a long time for this contract. We formed our union because we were sick and tired of working for poverty wages. We feel that this contract proves that management respects us and now we can have some dignity on the job."

“I’ve had a hard time making ends meet. I have five kids and the economy has been hard on our family. This agreement and the improvements it brings will help make things better for us,” said, Carylle Winger, a kitchen worker and member of the union bargaining committee. “I’m also glad that my co-workers can look forward to regular raises now, too.”

Workers fought hard, and we congratulate them on this momentous occasion on their ratified contract! To see the whole press release, click here.

Why Union?

We at SEIU Local 200United believe in the Union Difference, and have seen what it gives workers everyday.  Why organize?  Unions improve wages, benefits, and give workers a voice.  Listen to the voices of some of our College and University workers:

SEIU Local 200United has helped me take care of my family, and I enjoy being in the union.  This is one of the best unions.
Cathy Bradford, Chef Helper
Vassar College

Along with all the good things the Union provides me with, the sense of community it brings with all the Union brothers and sisters is the best.
Warren DesJardins
Skidmore College

We are even helping a new generation understand the Union Advantage, and are proud to have student support in organizing:

As a student at Bard College, I stand behind SEIU Local 200United to represent our workers and help them have a strong voice that leverages to resolve their labor issues … every worker should have the right to be organized.
Katie Reed, Student
Bard College