Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
On Thursday, 32,000 home care workers voted to form a union with SEIU Healthcare Michigan, 13 years after former Gov. Rick Snyder ripped away their collective bargaining rights by reclassifying them.
The current governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, reversed her predecessor’s attack on these workers last year, paving the way for them to fight for the wages and benefits they deserve.
“This is a proud day for Michigan. If anyone needs a union, it’s home care workers. When the union was stolen from us, I was devastated. But I didn’t lose hope. I knew we would reclaim our union one day—and that day has finally come.” said Phyllis Pride, a home care worker from Ecorse. “This all happened because we took a stand: home care workers and the people we care for deserve better. We deserve respect and dignity. That starts with a union. Together, in SEIU Healthcare Michigan, we can now build the long-term care system Michigan deserves.”