Resources for Members

Everyone wants to have smooth working relationships, but problems come up in every workplace. It's our job as union members to make sure that both we and our patients are protected from bad management decisions.

TAKING ACTION AT WORK

Your union contract is enforced by you and your co-workers. If we don't hold management accountable when they break the rules, then they'll feel free to do whatever they want, whenever they want. The best way to resolve a conflict is by organizing our co-workers to stand up for each other and take action. Another way we enforce our contract is by filing a grievance to challenge management's actions. If necessary, we go to arbitration where a neutral third-party decides the issue.

WHERE TO TURN IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM

1199 members elect co-workers to serve as union delegates at every work site. Your delegate is trained to help you get the answers and support you need, and can provide you with a copy of your contract. Your 1199 delegate can answer questions about the contract and help you take action at work to resolve any issues that arise. If your work site or work area doesn't currently have a union delegate, talk to your union organizer about the process by which you and your co-workers can nominate and elect a delegate. You and your delegate can also turn to your 1199 organizer, a staff person who can provide organizing support.

Working together, we campaign for contracts to improve our jobs, make sure we're all treated fairly, and secure the resources we need in order to provide quality services that we can be proud of.

At each 1199 work site, our union contract (called a collective bargaining agreement) spells out our rights and benefits, such as:

• Pay levels and raises
• Health insurance coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Job security
• Scheduling and promotions
• Vacations, sick time, & holidays
• Rules requiring fair treatment and procedures for resolving problems

With each round of negotiations, members decide what improvements we need to fight for and elect a team of their co-workers to lead negotiations. To win a good contract, workers have to show management that we are united. We often must organize support from community groups or elected officials to convince management to reach a fair agreement.

Negotiation sessions are open to all members in the bargaining unit at the work site, and all members have the right to vote on the final proposal. If the proposed contract is not acceptable or an agreement can't be reached, then members vote on what action to take next.

Delegate = Leader

A union delegate is more than a representative — they are a leader, a trusted voice, and a connection between members and the power of our union. Delegates help solve problems, share information, organize coworkers, and make sure every member has a voice. Strong delegates build strong facilities, stronger campaigns, and a stronger union.

Below are some tools and resources to help you organize effectively, document workplace issues, support your coworkers, and grow the strength of our union.

BUILDING YOUR CHAPTER

Use these forms to document, file, and track grievances at your work site. Click any title to open the file.

Every year thousands of 1199 members have work-related injuries, many of them serious and disabling. Because these are work related injuries, you are entitled to benefits — depending on what state you work in.

CONNECTICUT

In Connecticut, this process is governed by the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Act and other related laws. For a guide to the process created by and for 1199 members, please click on one of the links below:

In Connecticut, the union has the capacity to assist and represent all injured members, including appearances at Informal and Pre-formal Hearings before the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Additional Resources — Connecticut

workerscomphub.org

wcc.state.ct.us

RHODE ISLAND

In Rhode Island, the workers’ compensation process is overseen by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training’s (DLT) Workers’ Compensation division. For basic information, click here to review a downloadable pamphlet created by the DLT, or visit the Workers’ Compensation website. For advice on your workers’ compensation claim and/or legal referrals, call the union office at (401) 457-5099.

10 THINGS TO DO AFTER BEING INJURED AT WORK

1. Report your injury to your supervisor and fill out all injury reports, making copies for yourself.
2. Seek immediate medical attention at any doctor provided by your employer. After your first doctor appointment you have the right to see the doctor of your choice if he/she is in the Workers Compensation Provider Network.
3. Explain to the doctor that this is a work injury and tell him/her all of the pain you are experiencing (neck, back, leg, etc.), even if the pain is mild. Leave nothing out.
4. Be aware of what you tell your doctor. If your back pain comes from lifting and transferring patients, don’t tell the doctor you woke up with back pain — that is what will go in the report and the insurance company may deny your claim. Describe the heavy lifting required by your job duties.
5. Ask the doctor to give you a copy of all documentation sent to the insurance company.
6. Bring the work disability slip the doctor gives you to your supervisor. Have them make a copy and keep the original for your records.
7. If the insurance company sends you a FORM-43 or a FORM-36, notify us immediately — that means they are contesting the claim or stopping benefits.
8. Save all correspondence the insurer sends you. Do not throw anything away.
9. If you have any problem, call us before you talk to the insurance adjuster.

Even if you do these things, the insurer might still deny your claim. However, following these steps will make it easier to speed along the process and lay the groundwork for a successful resolution.

The New England Health Care Employees Union, District 1199 and the Connecticut Nursing Homes Training and Upgrading Fund provides educational opportunities for 1199 members from 55 nursing homes throughout the state of Connecticut. To learn more about the 1199 Training & Upgrading Fund or to see a list of participating employers, please visit the Training Fund’s website. You can also call the Training Fund directly at (860) 251-6060.

The New England Health Care Employees Welfare Fund provides health, prescription, vision, dental, short-term disability, scholarship and life insurance benefits to eligible participants and dependents. The New England Health Care Employees Pension Fund was established to provide retirement benefits to the participants of the Fund. To learn more about the Welfare and Pension Funds and your eligibility for benefits, please contact the Fund offices at (860) 728-1100 or (800) 227-4744.

As a member of SEIU, you have access to exclusive discounts, services, and programs — from travel and insurance to everyday savings. Explore what’s available to you through the national SEIU Member Benefits program.