Recently, the healthcare workers of 1199SEIU and Caritas Christi Healthcare came together for a celebration to commemorating the historic partnership between the two that has impacted the lives of thousands of healthcare workers, their patients and the communities they serve.

Governor Deval Patrick joined the celebration offering his congratulations on the work that was done in 2009 and encouragement to work toward more accords in the future.

2009 was an exciting and busy year for hospital workers in Massachusetts. During a series of historic union elections, hospital workers at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Union Hospital in Lynn and Norwood Hospital in Norwood cast their ballots and voted overwhelmingly to unite together to win a better future for their patients, their families and their hospitals. Click here to read more about hospital victories in 2009!

The state’s largest community-based healthcare system and the state’s largest healthcare workers union announced on Friday, December 11, 2010 that they have reached an historic four-year labor agreement that will enhance jobs and care delivery at four Caritas Christi hospitals. The innovative agreement establishes a series of joint labor-management initiatives and committees to enhance quality care delivery across the facilities. Click here to read more about the Caritas Contract!

2009’s historic union victories in the Greater Boston area will mean a higher quality of care for our patients and a better quality of life for our families. But a new study shows that the contract between 1199SEIU and Caritas Christi Healthcare will also improve the condition of our communities, generating a $51 million economic boost to the state of Massachusetts. Click here to find out more about how the Caritas contract helps to boost the economy in several areas of Massachusetts!

With more than 4,000 Haitian members of 1199SEIU, who live and work in Massachusetts nursing homes, hospitals, home care and community health centers, the earthquake that hit Haiti this January hit many close to home.

In the wake of the disaster, 1199SEIU has announced a donation of $1 million dollars to help support earthquake relief and has partnered with Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the city’s Public Health Commission, to coordinate a support and referral center at 1199’s Boston office to assist family and friends of those affected by the earthquake.

As the need for help grows, financial donations are the most critical need right now. The Union is working with UNICEF to provide emergency relief in the areas of water and sanitation, nutrition, child protection and education. Click here to learn more on how you can help.