Local 1 mourns the loss of longtime Milwaukee leader and labor champion Amicar Zapata
SEIU Local 1, would like to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Milwaukee’s dedicated union leader, steward and family man, Amicar “Papo'' Zapata. Amicar was a devoted Executive Board member for 10 years and a strong Union leader who has a proven track record of advocating for workers rights, prominent issues and being a voice for members. The Milwaukee labor movement has lost a true labor champion that has created a strong bond with the community, members and coworkers. Amicar will be remembered as someone that was always there to lead, encourage and push his coworkers during times of action. Zapata’s legacy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin will continue to live on through Local 1 members as they carry on his fight and drive.
Local 1 lamenta la pérdida del veterano líder y campeón laboral de Milwaukee, Amicar Zapata
SEIU Local 1, desea expresar nuestro más sentido pésame por el fallecimiento del dedicado líder sindical, delegado y hombre de familia de Milwaukee, Amicar “Papo'' Zapata. Amicar fue un miembro devoto del Consejo Ejecutivo durante 10 años y un líder sindical fuerte que tiene un historial comprobado de defensa de los derechos de los trabajadores, temas destacados y ser una voz para los miembros. El movimiento laboral de Milwaukee ha perdido un verdadero campeón laboral que ha creado un vínculo fuerte con la comunidad, los miembros y los compañeros de trabajo. Amicar será recordado como alguien que siempre estuvo ahí para guiar, motivar y empujar a sus compañeros de trabajo durante los momentos de acción. El legado de Zapata en Milwaukee, Wisconsin seguirá vivo a través de los miembros del Local 1 mientras continúan con su lucha y pasión.
Messenger: St. Louis Courthouse Janitor Believes he was Fired for Organizing a Union
By Tony Messenger, August 22, 2022
Marvin King has the sort of positive attitude that comes from years of pulling himself up by his bootstraps.
The 62-year-old grew up in north St. Louis. He’s a “Homer G. Phillips baby,” having been born in the long-since closed hospital that served Black people before widespread integration. King graduated from Sumner High School. He joined the Army and served his country.
King came back to St. Louis after his service. He’s held a lot of jobs over the years, some of them better than others. A couple of years ago, as the pandemic was starting, he had a stroke, which, for a time, rendered the left side of his body mostly limp. He went to a nursing home, but because of the pandemic, he couldn’t get all the services he needed. So he put himself through rehab.
“I’m still here,” he told me when we met, in the basement of the Service Employees International Union building in south St. Louis.
King isn’t a member of the union, but he believes he lost his job because he was talking to some of his fellow employees about joining the SEIU.
“All of a sudden, when I started talking about the union, they cut my hours,” King said.
Until July 11, when he was fired, King had worked for a year and a half as a janitor in the Civil Courts building in downtown St. Louis. He worked for a company called Challenge Unlimited Inc., an Alton-based nonprofit that has the janitorial contract with the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court. Challenge Unlimited provides staffing services and workforce training to disabled people. The company has many contracts with local and federal governmental entities. According to its IRS 990 forms, it brought in more than $28 million of revenue in 2020.
In an emailed statement, Challenge Unlimited said it had “recommended improvements so that worker could be successful in that job, which the worker declined and the worker’s employment ended.”
The first of those recommended improvements, which King provided to me, was a document telling him that a fellow employee felt “harassed” when King tried to talk to him about the union.
For the past few months, some of the employees, including King, have been talking to SEIU Local 1 about unionizing their workforce. For King, one of the motivating factors was something unique he found out about his job. King was hired, in part, because he is disabled. He is classified not as an employee, but as a client.
That’s a distinction some companies that serve disabled workers can make. It allows them to avoid paying unemployment insurance. Missouri has a section of law that allows the insurance exemption, if certain qualifications are met, and special certifications are obtained by the company. The idea is that companies providing workforce and vocational training to disabled employees, sometimes through pass-through tax dollars, should be exempt from paying into the unemployment system.
Marvin King said he believes he lost his job because he was talking to some of his fellow employees about joining a union.
Challenge Unlimited runs a sheltered workshop in Hannibal, where all the employees are disabled, and has such an exemption there. But in St. Louis, among the disabled employees who worked at the courthouse, there were no such services provided. “Nothing at all,” King says.
The union agrees with him. They say that Challenge Unlimited doesn’t have the proper certification to meet the exemption in Missouri law, at least as it relates to the workers at the courthouse. Paraquad, a St. Louis-based nonprofit that serves disabled people, agrees. It outlined its concerns this week in a letter to Judge Michael Stelzer, the presiding judge in the 22nd Circuit.
“Although the practice of withholding (unemployment) benefits is legal in certain circumstances, it does not appear these circumstances were met during Mr. King’s employment,” the letter says.
Paraquad asked Stelzer to investigate King’s firing.
In a statement, the court said there was nothing it could do. “While the Court has been made aware of the concerns raised by SEIU and Paraquad, it does not have the authority to investigate those complaints related to employee discipline administered by Challenge Unlimited,” the statement says.
“There is no protection for workers with a disability,” says Carl Walter, the field coordinator for SEIU Local 1.
The union has filed a complaint with the city, under a provision of the living wage ordinance, which makes it illegal for an employer to conduct anti-union activity on city property. King says there was at least one meeting after he started talking to union reps where Challenge Unlimited management gathered the janitors in the courthouse and discouraged any of them from organizing. That investigation is ongoing.
King feels like a man without any recourse. He doesn’t qualify for unemployment and, as a disabled “client,” he doesn’t fit under the various umbrellas that might allow a labor-law complaint. He is hoping the city investigation goes somewhere. Meanwhile, he’s looking for a new job, and counting his blessings. He still has a place to live, and next month, the rent in his subsidized housing will likely drop because he no longer has outside income.
“I had to get myself back up on my feet before,” King says. “It will work out.”
https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/columns/tony-messenger/messenger-st-louis-courthouse-janitor-believes-he-was-fired-for-organizing-a-union/article_e25a9b37-3a8b-5885-baf3-4ccb48c259bb.html
Kansas City-area janitors’ union wins raise, paid sick days for employees
By: Tod Palmer, posted at 11:09 AM, Aug 22, 2022
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Janitorial workers in the Kansas City area negotiated better salaries and benefits, which went into effect on July 1.
The Service Employees International Union Local 1 announced Monday that it reached a new collective bargaining agreement, which raises the minimum wage for janitorial staff to $15 per hour and provides additional annual increases.
The new contract impacts nearly 900 union employees who work at various Kansas City-area locations — including the IRS Campus, City Hall, the Lightwell Building, Crown Center and H&R Block’s World Headquarters, among other workplaces.
“I am so proud of this new contract that us Local 1 workers won,” Local 1 janitor Sandy Hinson said in a statement. “Us essential janitors risked our health and safety throughout the pandemic to ensure our communities stayed afloat and families stayed safe. Now, we are finally getting the respect, protection and pay that reflects our hard work and sacrifice.”
In addition to the 18% pay increase, employees will receive Juneteenth as a paid holiday and two paid sick days annually with a planned increase to three days annually.
SEIU Local 1 said in a statement that the concession marks the “first time in history” paid sick days are part of the contract, which also includes “strong language around Union access, immigration rights, and non-discrimination in the workplace.”
“Us workers came together, made our voices heard and won a contract that finally supports us and our families,” Local 1 janitor Beatrice Salazar said in a statement. “I am a janitor at Velociti Services. Never in my time here have we seen paid sick leave on the bargaining table. Many of us didn’t think it was possible, but we proved that together we can win big and win what we rightfully deserve.”
https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/kansas-city-area-janitors-union-wins-raise-paid-sick-days-for-employees
SEIU Local 1 Endorses Nina Turner for 11th Congressional District Race
Representing 500 frontline essential workers in the district...
SEIU Local 1 Endorses Nina Turner for 11th Congressional District Race
With SEIU Local 1’s endorsement, Turner has won full backing from SEIU in Ohio
CLEVELAND –Today, SEIU Local 1 - a labor union representing nearly 2,000 janitors and food service workers across Ohio, including more than 500 in the state’s 11th congressional district - announced its endorsement of Nina Turner for the district’s 2021 special election primary taking place August 3, 2021. Turner is a strong, proven leader and supporter of frontline essential workers in the fight for $15 and a union. With this endorsement, Turner has won the support of all SEIU Locals in the state.
“I support Nina Turner because she understands that for working people to have economic justice, one must have racial justice,” said SEIU Local 1 Cleveland Hopkins International Airport janitor Sandra Ellington. “Turner is not a stranger to labor -- she understands the importance of investing in our communities, and I am voting for Nina Turner because we need a leader who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and fight for what’s right.”
“11th district working families have seen Nina’s passion and know she will be a warrior who fights for us in Congress,” said SEIU Local 1 Vice President and Ohio State Director Yanela Sims. “Nina will be a powerful voice on the issues that matter to working families: $15 and a union, clean air and water and real investment in our communities.”
While wealthy special interests try to divide us, Nina Turner will fight alongside working people to make sure our economy works for all, no matter our background, where we come from or the color of our skin. Local 1 is ready to get out the vote for Turner, who working families trust to fight for economic, environmental, immigrant and racial justice.
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Postanowiłam przyjąć szczepionkę
Pracuję jako specjalista ds. żywienia dzieci w Akron Public Schools i codziennie mam kontakt z wieloma ludźmi. Kiedy pracownicy wrócą do biur, dzieci do szkół, a różnego rodzaju biznesy będą wpuszczać do środka większą liczbę klientów, ryzyko narażenia na COVID-19 wzrośnie.
Postanowiłam przyjąć szczepionkę, aby dodatkowo zabezpieczyć się przed COVID-19. Zapisałam się, dostałam szczepionkę i czuję się świetnie, poza tym, że mam lekko obolałą rękę. Teraz mogę wrócić do pracy, czując się bardziej chroniona, i już teraz wyznaczyłam sobie datę wizyty przyjęcia kolejnej dawki.
W całym środkowym wschodzie członkowie Lokalu 1 walczą o sprawiedliwy dostęp do szczepionek, aby każdy - niezależnie od pochodzenia - mógł podjąć opartą na faktach, świadomą decyzję na temat tego, czy chce się zaszczepić. Rok 2020 był rokiem pełnym wyzwań. Mam nadzieję, że dzięki tej ochronie rok 2021 będzie lepszy.
Więcej informacji i odpowiedzi na często zadawane pytania na temat szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 można uzyskać klikając tutaj. Nasz związek organizuje również spotkania typu town hall, aby związkowcy mogli uzyskać odpowiedzi na pytania dotyczące szczepionki kliknij tutaj, aby uzyskać listę terminów.
Z wyrazami solidarności,
Heather Hillenbrand
Specjalista ds żywienia dzieci i członek Rady Zarządu
Lokal 1 SEIU
Decidí vacunarme
Puesto que soy nutricionista infantil en las escuelas públicas de Akron, tengo contacto con muchas personas diariamente. Una vez que las personas regresen a sus oficinas, que los niños regresen a la escuela y que los negocios permitan la entrada de más clientes, el riesgo de exposición a COVID-19 va a aumentar.
INSCRÍBASE AHORA: Reunión pública para responder a sus preguntas sobre la vacuna
Yo decidí ponerme la vacuna porque es una capa adicional de protección contra COVID-19. Yo me inscribí, me puse la inyección y, aparte de una ligera molestia en el brazo, me siento muy bien. Ahora, puedo ir al trabajo sintiéndome más protegida, y ya programé la próxima cita para recibir mi segunda dosis.
En toda el área del medio oeste del país, los miembros del Local 1 están luchando por que haya acceso justo a la vacuna de manera que todos, sin tenerse en cuenta nuestros antecedentes ni el color de nuestra piel, podamos tomar una decisión educada e informada sobre vacunarnos. El año 2020 ha sido un año difícil. Espero que, con esta protección, 2021 será mejor.
Para más información y respuestas a las preguntas frecuentes sobre la vacuna contra COVID-19, haga clic aquí. Nuestra Unión también está llevando a cabo foros públicos para responder a sus preguntas sobre la vacuna - haga clic aquí para ver una lista de las fechas y horas.
En solidaridad,
Heather Hillenbrand
Trabajadora de servicios de nutrición infantil y miembro del Consejo Ejecutivo
Local 1 de SEIU
Why I Got Vaccinated
As a child nutritionist in Akron Public Schools, I come into contact with lots of people every day. Once people come back to their offices, children come back to school and businesses allow more customers inside, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 will increase.
REGISTER NOW: Town hall to answer your vaccine questions
I decided to get the vaccine because it’s an extra layer of protection against COVID-19. I signed up, got my shot, and aside from a little soreness in my arm, I feel great. Now, I can head to work feeling more protected, and I’ve already scheduled my follow-up for my second dose.
Want to register to get vaccinated? Click here for more info and frequently asked questions
Across the Midwest, Local 1 members are fighting for fair vaccine access so everyone - no matter our background or the color of our skin - can make an educated, informed choice about getting vaccinated. 2020 was a challenging year. I’m hoping, with this protection, 2021 will be better.
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, click here. Our union is also hosting town hall forums to get your vaccination questions answered - click here for a list of dates and times.
In solidarity,
Heather Hillenbrand
Child Nutritionist Service worker and Executive Board Member
SEIU Local 1
Puesto que soy nutricionista infantil en las escuelas públicas de Akron, tengo contacto con muchas personas diariamente. Una vez que las personas regresen a sus oficinas, que los niños regresen a la escuela y que los negocios permitan la entrada de más clientes, el riesgo de exposición a COVID-19 va a aumentar.
INSCRÍBASE AHORA: Reunión pública para responder a sus preguntas sobre la vacuna
Yo decidí ponerme la vacuna porque es una capa adicional de protección contra COVID-19. Yo me inscribí, me puse la inyección y, aparte de una ligera molestia en el brazo, me siento muy bien. Ahora, puedo ir al trabajo sintiéndome más protegida, y ya programé la próxima cita para recibir mi segunda dosis.
En toda el área del medio oeste del país, los miembros del Local 1 están luchando por que haya acceso justo a la vacuna de manera que todos, sin tenerse en cuenta nuestros antecedentes ni el color de nuestra piel, podamos tomar una decisión educada e informada sobre vacunarnos. El año 2020 ha sido un año difícil. Espero que, con esta protección, 2021 será mejor.
Para más información y respuestas a las preguntas frecuentes sobre la vacuna contra COVID-19, haga clic aquí. Nuestra Unión también está llevando a cabo foros públicos para responder a sus preguntas sobre la vacuna - haga clic aquí para ver una lista de las fechas y horas.
En solidaridad,
Heather Hillenbrand
Trabajadora de servicios de nutrición infantil y miembro del Consejo Ejecutivo
Local 1 de SEIU
Pracuję jako specjalista ds. żywienia dzieci w Akron Public Schools i codziennie mam kontakt z wieloma ludźmi. Kiedy pracownicy wrócą do biur, dzieci do szkół, a różnego rodzaju biznesy będą wpuszczać do środka większą liczbę klientów, ryzyko narażenia na COVID-19 wzrośnie.
Postanowiłam przyjąć szczepionkę, aby dodatkowo zabezpieczyć się przed COVID-19. Zapisałam się, dostałam szczepionkę i czuję się świetnie, poza tym, że mam lekko obolałą rękę. Teraz mogę wrócić do pracy, czując się bardziej chroniona, i już teraz wyznaczyłam sobie datę wizyty przyjęcia kolejnej dawki.
W całym środkowym wschodzie członkowie Lokalu 1 walczą o sprawiedliwy dostęp do szczepionek, aby każdy - niezależnie od pochodzenia - mógł podjąć opartą na faktach, świadomą decyzję na temat tego, czy chce się zaszczepić. Rok 2020 był rokiem pełnym wyzwań. Mam nadzieję, że dzięki tej ochronie rok 2021 będzie lepszy.
Więcej informacji i odpowiedzi na często zadawane pytania na temat szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 można uzyskać klikając tutaj. Nasz związek organizuje również spotkania typu town hall, aby związkowcy mogli uzyskać odpowiedzi na pytania dotyczące szczepionki kliknij tutaj, aby uzyskać listę terminów.
Z wyrazami solidarności,
Heather Hillenbrand
Specjalista ds żywienia dzieci i członek Rady Zarządu
Lokal 1 SEIU
Blog Post Title One
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Two
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.