More USC and West Anaheim Medical Center workers join NUHW
December proved to be another strong month for new organizing with nearly 200 workers at West Anaheim Medical Center and the University of Southern California voting to join NUHW.
At West Anaheim, 179 workers, including nursing assistants, housekeepers, food service workers, EMTs, monitor techs, pharmacy techs, phlebotomists, and unit secretaries voted overwhelmingly to join NUHW.
“I’m very happy and satisfied with this victory, and very proud of what we’re accomplishing. I’ve always said that together we’re stronger and we’ve shown that,” said EVS technician Marta Baltarzar. “I hope we get a fair salary and better workplace treatment. We have to move forward, show that we are not afraid and we will win.”
With the vote, these workers join more than 100 caregivers who are already NUHW members, including nurses, respiratory therapists, and medical technicians, who earlier this year won a three-year contract that includes substantial raises.
Also in December, 15 pharmacy techs and clerical workers at USC’s Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences also voted overwhelmingly to join NUHW.
NUHW now represents more than 1,600 healthcare workers at the University of Southern California, where members have continued to win strong contracts.
“We’re excited to join so many of our colleagues as NUHW and help increase worker power at the university,” said Gary Dewitt, a material handler. “There’s a lot we can accomplish for ourselves and patients, working with our colleagues as NUHW members.