Chapter 771 Receives a Warm Welcome

At MSEA-SEIU’s annual convention, Chapter 771 received a warm welcome from fellow union brothers and sisters. Chapter 771 also received a lot of support. Chapter 771 is brand new to MSEA-SEIU Local 1989. Chapter 771 was first organized with Alpha-One workers about two years ago. Last year, Home Care for Maine workers voted to unionize. A contract for Home Care for Maine was negotiated and passed back in August. Chapter 771 is different from other MSEA-SEIU locals in that 771 is made up of PCAs/PSSs (Personal Care Attendants/Personal Support Specialists) that go into a consumer’s home and help them with daily living tasks. Things like personal care to laundry to light housekeeping to doing groceries, running errands and getting to doctors’ appointments. Many of us work independently, work part-time and have no benefits whatsoever. The work we do is very important. We help keep our elders and those with major debilitating diseases out of nursing homes. They would rather be in their own home where they are comfortable. When I first joined the union, the stark difference between us PSSs and state employees was noticable. That difference is still there, but I am feeling much better about 771 being a part of MSEA-SEIU because MSEA-SEIU has a lot of pull and influence with the legislature and various commissions of state government. This is something I saw with my own eyes when I testified before the Department of Health and Human Services Commission in support of an increase in the reimbursement rate for the Homemaker Program back in May of this year. That influence is something that 771 can draw upon to gain better wages, paid sick time and vacations and health benefits. At the very end of convention, after the call to adjourn was voted upon and everyone was leaving the hall, Bruce Hodson, our MSEA-SEIU president-elect, came up to me and welcomed me and 771 aboard. That was something very nice and something that meant a lot to me. I think that Chapter 771 is right where we need to be. MSEA-SEIU has the sway that 771 can use with state government. Most of the funding Alpha-One and Home Care for Maine receives is from DHHS. Those on the DHHS Commission and in the Legislature recoginize our purple. I also want to welcome aboard the Child Care Providers in Maine that voted to unionize. That is great! At convention, Ginette Rivard was elected vice president and Bruce Hodson was elected president. I feel very comfortable with them as our leaders. I do not know too much about Bruce. Ginette has worked with non-profit organizations and has done a lot of political action work. Convention was wonderful. All the welcomes and support that 771 received was fantastic. It eased my reservations about becoming part of MSEA-SEIU. Together, 771 and MSEA-SEIU can achieve good things. Submitted by Helen Hanson, President of Chapter 771