November 2011
SEIU members join Day of Action Protest
Dozens of SEIU Healthcare Michigan members joined with members of the local community Nov. 17th for a protest on the 2nd st bridge over I-94. The 17th was a National Day of Action with protests taking place in cities across the U.S. The crowd swelled to more than 700 people who rallied for the passage of the American Jobs Act and an end to the attacks on the middle class. Many area leaders and pastors carried signs promoting job creation and formed a human chain to block bridge access. The brigde is just one of many in the state that have been labeled structuraly deficient and in need of repair. “It makes no sense to me that we have to stand on a bridge in the cold and snow to bring attention to such an important issue,” said home care worker Vernette Mahone. “If this is what we have to do, we’ll do it. We are the 99% and the only way to make a change is to take a stand.”
Members sworn in at General Membership Meeting
Members recently came to our Detoit headquarters for the last general membership meeting of the year. Department directors gave presentations and answered questions. Secretary-Treasurer Johnnie Jolliffi provided a financial overview as well as highlights from the representation department. President Marge Faville, RN performed an official swearing-in for five members. If you have not yet been sworn in as a member, we encourage you to attend our next general membership meeting Tuesday, January 17th at 6pm for your chance.
Members come together for the Detroit Leadership Conference
Hundreds of metro-Detroit stewards and worksite leaders came together recently for our annual leadership conference at Cobo Hall. Leaders spent two-days networking, learning and sharing best-practices for representing members. “It was really a lot of fun,” said Aberdeen Steward Shalaya Bryant, “I’m a fairly new steward and I walked away with a lot of knowledge from the classes and from talking to other stewards who have been around a long time.” Secretary-Treasurer Johnnie Jolliffi got members fired up and President Marge Faville, RN kept the energy going with a game of Jenga to illiustrate the tough economic times we all face. We were also honored to have SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Eliseo Medina and International Executive Vice-President Kirk Adams in attendance this year.
Members Vote to Approve Fair and Equal Initiative
SEIU HCMI members count votes
SEIU Members are celebrating a huge victory with the passing of the Fair and Equal Initiative. Members voted 4 to 1 in favor of the initiative that will make dues an even 2.5 % percent, with a $55 cap, for members across the board. “I’m extremely excited about the huge number of members who made their voices heard in this important vote. This is a big step forward for our local and for the future of our union,” President Marge Faville, RN said. More members participated in this vote than any other in the history of the local. “I counted hundreds and hundreds of ballots today and it was all worth it,” said Executive Board Member Marsha Weston ”This is definitely a step in the right direction.”
SEIU HCMI members count votes