Hispanics United of Buffalo Workers Unanimously Vote to Join 1199SEIU, Largest Healthcare Workers Union

Direct Service Workers Among Growing Local and National Trend as Workers Join Labor Unions to Demand Improvements in Their Workplace and a Voice on the Job

Upstate, NY – Direct Service Workers at Hispanics United of Buffalo (Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo), an affiliate of Acacia Network, have followed a national trend by unanimously voting in favor of joining a labor union this week. Approximately 31 direct service workers at Hispanics United of Buffalo voted to join 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare workers union in the country.

“At least our voices will be heard now,” said Marianela Rodriguez, Case Manager. “Our union will help us be even more successful at work,” added Rodriguez.

“Even as a full-time working mother, it is difficult to meet my family’s financial needs,” said Alexandria Carlucci, Care Coordinator. “Now, with the support of a union behind me, my compensation will start to reflect my labor,” said Carlucci.

Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo is a non-profit organization providing direct care and social services to at-risk communities across Western New York. It is an affiliate of Acacia Network, a Latino-led organization offering services such as health, housing, and social services. Workers voted to join the union alongside their colleagues from Acacia Network who joined last year at Promesa, Inc Safepoint Lighthouse in Dunkirk and Alba de Vida Clinic in Buffalo.

The newly organized workers at Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo include roles such as Care Coordinator, Senior Case Manager, Receptionist, Quality Control, Quality Control Assistant, Residential Aide, Pantry Assistant, Service Worker, Education and Employment Specialist, Biller, Housing Specialist, Driver, Maintenance Worker, and Janitor. Workers will begin negotiating their first union contract soon.

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 400,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all. Home