As workers face retaliation following their strike notice, U.S. Representatives Dingell, Levin, Tlaib join growing list of leaders backing workers’ demands
Workers at SKLD Bloomfield set to strike July 11 for safe staffing, quality care, voice on job
MICHIGAN – Community leaders and elected officials from across Michigan voiced their support on Wednesday, July 6 for Bloomfield Hills nursing home workers gearing up to strike on July 11, escalating their ongoing fight for safer staffing levels, the right to a voice on the job and greater resources to ensure quality care for every patient.
“Our nation’s care workers– who are predominantly women and people of color– go above and beyond to care for those most in need, yet far too many do not receive the pay and benefits commensurate with their work. I was so lucky to have my husband John receive care at home, but that experience showed me firsthand the significant fractures in our long-term care system,” said Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-12). “No care worker should have to live below the poverty line to give the critical care that our seniors and individuals with disabilities rely on. SKLD executives must respect workers’ right to join a union and have a voice on the job. I stand in solidarity with those fighting for a better future for their residents and their families.”
Workers at SKLD Bloomfield are taking action as the ongoing crisis in Michigan’s nursing home industry reaches a fever pitch. Following decades of failure to protect workers and patients alike, the pandemic exacerbated the serious existing industry challenges. During their strike, SKLD workers will raise the alarm on their employer’s unfair labor practices and failure to guarantee a safe and healthy workplace for every worker.
“Nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills have endured the challenges of a pandemic and shown resilience despite being overworked and undervalued for far too long. It’s utterly ridiculous that the same unfair labor practices that my father fought against in the 1980s and 1990s are still being deployed today. I’m calling on SKLD Bloomfield Hills’ executives to respect their workers’ rights to collectively bargain and join a union without interference,” said Mari Manoogian, State Representative, House District 40.
SKLD Bloomfield workers are reporting an increase in retaliation and union busting tactics from facility management since they delivered their 10-day strike notice, including intimidation, interrogation, unreasonable disciplining, and more. Over 30 elected officials and community leaders representing all regions of the state have voiced their support for the workers, including United States Representatives Debbie Dingell, Rashida Tlaib, and Andy Levin.
“After everything nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills have done for our community, including risking their lives to care for our most vulnerable during this pandemic, it is shameful that SKLD management is subjecting them to unfair labor practices and unsafe working conditions,” said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-9). “I stand with SKLD workers in their fight for a union and real power in the workplace.”
Additional community leaders, elected officials and clergy from across Michigan released the following statements in support of striking workers:
“These dedicated frontline workers put their lives on the line to care for their residents — yet SKLD executives are standing in their way as they form a union. I got my start as a union organizer working alongside nursing home workers right here in the new MI-11’s Farmington Hills. Forty years later — now, as a labor lawyer and Member of Congress — I’m angry and fed up to see workers still experiencing chronic short staffing, poverty wages and unsafe working conditions. All workers deserve a union. Nursing home workers give critical care and support to members of our community at SKLD — we must value their work by supporting their rights to decent work and access to a union. I stand in solidarity with SKLD Bloomfield Hills workers on strike and strongly support their demands for better pay, safer staffing and workplace respect,” said Representative Andy Levin (MI-13).
“I stand with the nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills as they prepare to strike for better labor conditions. When nursing homes facilities have staff that are well-paid, have an appropriate staff-to-resident ratio, and workers who are -respected, then residents will see the results. The nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills have proven time and again to go above and beyond for their residents, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, when even the most basic day-to-day operations became a challenge. Everyone should have a right to a safe workplace and healthy living environment. I am urging SKLD Nursing Home executives to respect workers’ rights to a voice on the job,” said Erika Geiss, State Senator, District 1
“I stand in solidarity with our nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills, who have been on the frontlines caring for our communities. Nursing home employees and other frontline providers cannot continue to work in unsustainable conditions with unfair labor practices. They need and deserve better pay and staffing levels, improved quality of care for patients, better communication, and a safe and healthy workplace with better staffing ratios to prevent burnout. It is time for their voices to be heard and for them to receive the respect they deserve. The time is now to increase the wages of our nursing home employees. Nursing homes have not done enough to protect and compensate their staff as they continue to care for our most vulnerable population. Nursing home employees should not have to struggle to take care of themselves,” said Adam Hollier, State Senator, District 2.
“Nursing home workers are heroes, as we have seen throughout the pandemic. But now is the time to treat nursing home workers like the essential worker heroes they are. I stand with the SKLD workers as they strike next week, and I support their demands for the pay, staffing levels, and workplace conditions they deserve. Supporting our essential workers like these is good not just for them and their families, but also the nursing home residents and our communities,” said Stephanie Chang, State Senator, District 3.
“It’s time all nursing home employers put workers and residents first. I am proud to stand with SKLD workers. Nursing home workers, who are predominantly women, with women of color overrepresented in these jobs, have been overworked and undervalued for far too long,” said Betty Alexander, State Senator, District 5.
“I’m standing with the dedicated workers at SKLD nursing facilities, who have been on the frontlines during these last several years of crisis. They deserve safe working conditions, fair wages, and properly-staffed shifts,” said Jeremy Moss, State Senator, District 7.
“I stand with SKLD Bloomfield Hill Nursing Home Workers as they plan to strike to end unfair labor practices at work. After serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic for the past two years these vital workers deserve access to better working conditions, safe staffing for quality care, and the right to join a union without interference,” said Rosemary Bayer, State Senator, District 12.
“Before working in the legislature, I supported workers in long-term care settings. It’s a tough and important job, and these workers put it all on the line to care for Michigan’s most vulnerable individuals. Their demands directly impact the ability to care for our loved ones: our parents, our siblings, and someday ourselves. I stand with these workers because they deserve better,” said Winnie Brinks, State Senator, District 29.
“The Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus stands firmly with the nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield as they fight to receive the respect they deserve from their employer and attempt to unionize. These workers have been doing an exemplary job of taking care of the most vulnerable in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, often working extra shifts and sacrificing time with their own families. It is long past time for these workers to be fairly compensated for the essential role that they fulfill,” stated members of the Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus.
“The mission of the Michigan Legislative Care Caucus is to support those providing and receiving long-term care in Michigan and to strengthen the long-term care infrastructure in our state. We strive toward facilitating the highest quality of care for vulnerable Michiganders, which we recognize is only possible when we provide workers with the tools that they need to meet that high standard of care. As such, we support the nursing home workers of SKLD Bloomfield Hills as they push back against chronic short staffing, unlivable wages, and unsafe conditions that make it difficult to provide the high-quality care nursing home residents deserve,” stated members of the Michigan Legislative Care Caucus.
“Nursing home workers are critical to our communities across the state. The nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills are on strike to have a voice on the job and ensure they have the tools necessary to put the residents at the facility first,” said Joe Tate, State Representative, House District 2.
“Families trust nursing homes and the quality staff they have to take care of our loved ones in a time of need. These same nursing homes need to take care of their workers by ensuring them quality working conditions, living wages and their right to organize. I am proud to stand with SKLD workers, united and determined to fight for a better future for our families, our residents and our communities,” said Stephanie Young, State Representative, House District 8.
“Each and every day, nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills show up in our community, putting their lives on the line to care for our loved ones. Through the Covid-19 pandemic, they have persevered, going above and beyond their duties as they’ve worked long hours and picked up extra shifts to ensure our most vulnerable citizens are not left without the care they need, meanwhile, sacrificing time with their families and putting their own health at risk. I vow to support the nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills in their strike and demands for better pay, safer staffing & respect in the workplace, and I am calling on SKLD executives to honor their workers’ rights to join a union without interference,” said Karen Whitsett, State Representative, House District 9.
“During these times of uncertainty, it’s vitally important that our families are safe and healthy. Especially our loved ones who live in nursing homes and have been in a battle for their lives during the pandemic. At the forefront of this battle are our nursing home workers. Nursing home workers put their lives on the line everyday to help care for the elderly and persons living with disabilities. Given the challenges these nursing home workers face, it’s crucial they are paid fair wages while working in safe conditions and are treated equally as well as the people they care for. As a state legislator, I stand tall alongside the SKLD Bloomfield Hills nursing home workers. These workers deserve to have a real voice, as well as the right to join a union to help improve this industry. I will work to amplify their voices, and they have my unwavering support,” said Alex Garza, State Representative, House District 12.
“Nursing home workers have dedicated themselves to caring for our most vulnerable populations, but challenges in the industry make it difficult for them to provide the high-quality care our residents deserve. SKLD workers are going on strike to demand an end to unfair labor practices at work, including better working conditions, safe staffing for quality care, and the right to join a union without interference from management. I am proud to stand in solidarity with SKLD workers to fight for a better future for our families, our residents and our community. They deserve better,” said Kevin Hertel, State Representative, House District 18.
“The workers at SKLD Nursing Facilities care for our most vulnerable loved ones, and they deserve to be treated with dignity. I stand with SKLD workers who are fighting for higher wages, improved staffing, and safer working conditions overall,” said Laurie Pohutsky, State Representative, House District 19.
“I grew up in a Union family and can’t understate the impact that being a union member had on our family’s quality of life and sense of dignity in the workplace. Nursing home workers are overworked and underpaid while undertaking one of the most important professions in our society – caring for our elders. I stand with them now and call on SKLD management to prioritize their workers well-being by providing better pay, safer staffing levels and the ability to join a union without interference from management. Instituting these changes will allow SKLD workers to continue to provide life-altering care to our seniors,” said Darrin Camilleri, State Representative, House District 23.
“COVID-19 highlighted just how important the work of employees at nursing homes is. For years, these workers have been sacrificing and providing critical care for our loved ones, without receiving the respect or compensation that they deserve. I stand with the workers of SKLD Bloomfield Hills as they attempt to unionize and fight for fair pay and benefits,” said Regina Weiss, State Representative, House District 27.
“As co-chair of the Michigan Legislative Care Caucus, I stand with the nursing home workers of SKLD Bloomfield Hills as they demand better working conditions, safe staffing for quality care, and an end to union-busting and other unfair labor practices. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown just how essential our frontline nursing home workers are to the whole community. They’ve risked their lives to care for our elderly and disabled communities, and they deserve safe working conditions and fair compensation for their labor,” said Padma Kuppa, State Representative, House District 41.
“We can’t keep putting profits over people. All nursing home employers must put workers and residents first instead of lining their own pockets. I am proud to stand with SKLD workers, who are boldly standing for their basic rights. They are united and determined to fight for a better future for us all,” said Yousef Rahbi, State Representative, House District 53.
“Nursing home workers, our front line and direct care workers, are trusted to care for our most vulnerable residents, including our parents, grandparents, friends, and family members. I proudly stand with SKLD Bloomfield Hills workers who are beginning to strike for a better workplace. They deserve the ability to organize freely; they deserve better working conditions; they deserve all of the necessary protections, not just for themselves but so that they can provide the best care for our loved ones. These workers deserve more!” said Felicia Brabec, State Representative, House District 55.
“Nursing home employers have a responsibility to put workers and residents first. I am proud to stand in solidarity with SKLD workers, united and determined to build a better future for our families, our residents, and our communities,” said David LaGrand, State Representative, House District 75.
“Nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills show up for our community and their residents time and again–often taking on extra shifts, giving up time with their families, when their facility is short on staff. This chronic short-staffing leaves them struggling to provide quality care to residents and as someone who has family that resides in Bloomfield Hills Long term Care, I support the nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills in their strike and demands for better pay, safer staffing & respect. The care that these nursing home workers have provided for my family in Bloomfield Hills has helped ease my mind knowing that my loved ones are being cared for by brave workers that put themselves on the frontlines daily in this pandemic era. I vow to stand with them in their fight to be respected and have a real voice on their jobs,” said Rachel Hood, State Representative, House District 76.
“Truly there’s no greater calling than one that allows you to help improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable in our community. The nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills stand with so many families in making sure those under their care receive the love and attention they deserve. They do this while working with inadequate resources for patient care and receive substandard wages. I stand and support the fight for them to have a voice and seat at the table when it comes to determining their health, patient safety and fair compensation. I’m calling on SKLD executives to respect their workers’ right to join a union without fear of retribution,” said Jonathan C. Kinloch, Wayne County Commissioner.
“I support Union Workers and Michigan Working Families! Nursing home workers have gone above and beyond to care for our community during the toughest years of our lives, without the pay or respect they deserve. Chronic short-staffing leaves them struggling to provide quality care to residents. The essential workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills Nursing Home are on strike to demand their employer put nursing home workers and residents first. I’m calling on SKLD Nursing Home executives to respect workers’ right to a voice on the job!” said Coleman A. Young II, Detroit City Councilman At Large.
“The long-term care industry is under enormous pressure to retain and attract qualified workers, which has resulted in the current workers being overworked. Moreover, the COVID 19 pandemic has put these essential workers’ health at risk, especially when personal protection equipment was in short supply and the industry was devastated by the disease. These workers risk their lives to care for our elderly and most vulnerable. I support the nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills in their strike and demands for better pay and adequate staffing levels,” said Latisha Johnson, Detroit City Council Member, District 4.
“I’m running because I believe we deserve dignity for us, dignity for our planet. To me that means fighting for union rights and workers earning a living wage on the job, including all of our workers on the frontlines, like our nursing home workers at SKLD. I also believe that no one should work multiple full time jobs just to make ends meet. It’s time to show our healthcare workers, our true heroes, some respect. I stand with you,” said Donavan McKinney, Candidate for State Representative, MI-14.
“Nursing home workers have gone above and beyond to provide care during some of the most tumultuous times in our nation’s history. They deserve better working conditions, safe staffing for quality care, and the right to join a union without interference from management. I proudly stand with the Nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills as they fight for a better future for our families, our residents and our communities,” said Jason Hoskins, Candidate for State Representative, MI-18.
“The dedicated nursing home workers at SKLD Bloomfield Hills show great care and dedication to their residents–often taking on extra shifts and giving up time with their families when short on staff. Their employer needs to do more to value their sacrifices and commitment, and respect their voices. As a proud union member myself, I know the importance of having a voice at the table. SKLD executives need to respect their workers’ right to join a union and put their residents and nursing home staff first,” said Ken Ferguson, Candidate for State Representative, MI-20.
“Nursing home workers across Michigan put it all on the line to care for Michigan’s most vulnerable populations. Workers at SKLD nursing facilities deserve to have representation on their side to address chronic short staffing, poverty wages, and unsafe working conditions so they can focus on providing high quality care for the residents they serve. I stand with striking workers in their fight for a brighter future,” said Jason Morgan, Candidate for State Representative, MI-23.
“Nursing home industry challenges like the ones at Bloomfield Hills impact workers, their residents and their families. SKLD workers are going on strike to demand an end to unfair labor practices at work. Like all of us, they want better working conditions, safe staffing for quality care, and the right to join a union without interference from management. Each of these directly impacts workers’ ability to care for our loved ones: our parents, our siblings, and someday, ourselves. They deserve better,” said Jimmie Wilson Jr., Candidate for State Representative, MI-32.
“I’m with my brothers and sisters of the SKLD Bloomfield Hill Nursing Home as they exercise their fundamental right to organize. Nursing home workers have been showing up and sacrificing for the people they support, but they haven’t been receiving the pay or respect they deserve. SKLD executives must respect workers’ rights to join a union without interference,” said Anthony Feig, Candidate for State Representative, MI-92.
Michigan’s Long Term Care Crisis
Michigan is the nation’s fastest-aging state, according to AARP. By 2025, there will be more Michiganders over 65 than under 18. Michigan will need to fill 178,000 direct care jobs by 2028 to meet the growing demand for care. Across the United States, ten thousand people turn 65 daily and demand for care is skyrocketing.
This industry has long been dismissed and devalued due to racism and sexism, leading to low pay and underinvestment in workers. Eight in ten nursing home workers in Michigan state are women, and the majority of all nursing home workers come from Black, brown and otherwise marginalized communities. What’s more, nursing homes where residents are majority people of color have experienced devastating, outsized loss of life from Covid-19 as well as chronically poor standards of care.
A recent Health Affairs study shows that nursing homes with union workers have lower COVID-19 resident mortality rates when compared to non-union facilities. According to the study, nursing homes with unions are far safer places for workers, with worker infection rates 6.8% lower than in nursing homes without unions. Importantly, these union benefits spread to nursing home residents, who are 10.8% less likely to die of Covid-19 in nursing homes with unions.
###
SEIU Michigan represents nearly 30,000 workers across the state in the healthcare industry, the public sector and in property services. Our members provide essential services and care to our community. We believe in the power of joining together on the job to win higher wages and benefits while fighting for a more just society and an economy and democracy that works for all of us – Black, brown, white, Asian Pacific Islander, and Native – not just corporations and the wealthy. We believe that we cannot achieve economic justice without securing racial justice, and vice versa.
SEIU Healthcare Michigan is the largest healthcare union in Michigan, representing over 17,000 workers. Learn more at www.seiuhealthcaremi.org