ABC 30: Union battle in Fresno

NewsMay 27, 2009

By Dale Yurong

Fresno, CA (KFSN) — Fresno has become the battleground for an intense labor struggle. Homecare workers will soon decide which union will represent them. It all started in January when leaders within the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, were removed from office.

The breakaway group, NUHW, or National Union of Healthcare Workers, on Wednesday brought in a high-profile supporter.

United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta came to Fresno to pledge her support for NUHW. They braved the hot sun to turn up the heat on SEIU, the union they wish to break away from. Huerta told NUHW supporters, “You’re going to be voting for your dignity, the respect of the organization and yes, for your voice.”

SEIU-UHW is now running TV ads urging union members to stay put. NUHW broke off on its own after elected leaders were removed from office.

Source: KFSN-TV