On February 6, staff at 1199NW sent this letter to the Fund for Union Democracy pledging their solidarity and making a donation. As a local, 1199NW have decided that they will not send staff to fight UHW members. Principled (and smart!) people.
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To our Sisters and Brothers:
For years, UHW-West has been a shining example of an SEIU local that has fought against worker injustice while holding highly democratic principles.
They've inspired us with their achievements in:
-- Bargaining contracts with high standards in wages, benefits, and staffing
-- Involving members in all aspects of organizing, bargaining, and politics
-- Organizing tens of thousands of new members into the labor movement
Therefore, as a staff union of organizers and support staff, we are greatly saddened and concerned abut the trusteeship of UHW-Weest. It is alarming to us that a local union would be attacked and dismantled for defending democratic trade unionist principles, such as the members' right to a fair vote to decide with which local union they will belong.
We support the decision of out SEIU Healthcare 1199NW President Diane Sosne not to send our staff to California to participate in the trusteeship of one of SEIU's best locals.
In the light of this historic stifling of dissent in our national union, and the enormous shift of resources away from what should be our real fight, our staff union membership has overwhelmingly voted to make a contribution of $4500 to the Fund for Union Democracy. We will encourage others to do the same.
In solidarity
Robin Wyss
President
