ASSIST WORKERS UNITE!
Assist workers are coming together with over 3,000 first responders from across New York State to build power and the strongest voice in our jobs by forming our union in 1199SEIU.
First responders need a strong, effective voice in a democratic union with a proven healthcare mission
Founded by a group of pharmacists over 80 years ago, 1199 represents members in every part of the healthcare industry, including hospitals, EMS, nursing homes, community health centers and home care.
1199 is a democratic union whose members make all the important decisions, including electing union leaders and voting on all contracts. 1199 represents over 3,000 EMS workers across NYS. By standing united, 1199 EMS workers have won better pay, a voice in safety standards, and access to training & education opportunities and affordable healthcare, all the while improving patient care.
1199 EMS members have improved job standards and gained respect for our field
When we negotiate our union contracts, first responder professionals elect our own bargaining committee and have final approval on our contracts. In this way, over 3,000 EMS workers have come together in 1199SEIU to negotiate and win the best possible contracts. Together, we have won:
Better wages with yearly raises
Affordable healthcare
Better standards for workplace safety
Retirement security
A fair grievance procedure
A say in fair process and financial incentives for O/T
No-cost educational and training opportunities
Participation in decision-making
Respect and a voice!
A real union is a group of workers who join together and use their collective power to have a voice in their workplace. A bargaining committee elected by fellow workers sits down at the table with management to negotiate from a position of strength over wages, benefits, and more. Union members pay dues to cover the costs associated with improving their working conditions. 1199 members don’t start paying dues until they vote to ratify their contract. Does this sound like our so-called union representation by 713? The answer is no!
Local 713 has accepted lower raises and unsafe working conditions at Assist for years. Assist workers never had the opportunity to elect a bargaining committee to negotiate a union contract. Local 713 doesn’t even have a proven healthcare mission. It’s no wonder that an entity with alleged past mob connections doesn’t give workers a real say in our jobs.
Now is our time - let’s dump 713 and elect 1199 and join a powerful community of healthcare professionals in a democratic union who fight relentlessly to win real change for EMS workers.
Is there any difference between Local 713 and management?
Our Working Conditions, Our Voice - Vote Yes for 1199SEIU!
When we vote yes for 1199 and win our union, management can’t change our wages, schedules and benefits without negotiating with us first. Click on the image above to read the full legal letter.
EMSPAC TO ASSIST WORKERS: “JOIN OUR MOVEMENT! UNITY = STRENGTH.”
The EMSPAC is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the welfare of EMTs & Paramedics. The EMSPAC engages in awareness and education, hardship response and advocacy to advance the lives and careers of EMS workers.
The EMSPAC believes that when first responders from across New York stand together in 1199, we will improve our jobs for ourselves and our patients. Assist workers - the EMSPAC has our back!
Walter Adler, 1199 member, NYU Langone, EMSPAC
“A vote for 1199 is a vote for a better life for EMS workers.”
SWIPE TO HEAR MORE 1199SEIU EMS MEMBER VOICES FROM LENOX HILL TO AMR!
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Lisa Lopez, EMT, Lenox Hill
“I came from the transport side - no union, low pay, and horrible benefits. Management did whatever they wanted. Joining 1199 changed everything: real support, great healthcare, and better opportunities that I am excited to share with my EMS family. 1199 is the way to go!”
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Peter Teel, EMT, MSW
“Join a union where your representatives are visible and care for your needs.”
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Luz Quinones, Driver, Jewish Home and Hospital in the Bronx
“It’s great to have no worries because I’m backed up by our union. Not only have I received health benefits, but also better wages and childcare assistance for my five kids. And I’m pursuing my education. All with the help of 1199.”
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Nick Zambrano, EMT, AMR
“I have never heard of a single member who regrets voting for 1199. From the very beginning, we have been guided and supported in every way. Though the news about Mount Vernon closing was shocking, I am grateful for 1199 quickly taking action and getting us information about job fairs and other potential opportunities in 1199 shops.”
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Grant Brassard, AEMT-CC, CVPH, Plattsburgh, NY
“As members of 1199, we have a voice when it comes to safety issues. We have a guaranteed schedule that is posted a month out.”
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Steven Rivera, Paramedic, NRP, AMR
"Like Assist workers, AMR workers had to choose between a union with close ties to management and 1199. When our time came to vote, we chose 1199 unanimously. Since then, 1199 has never asked for a single penny from us but has remained accessible, supportive, and fully engaged in our negotiations and representation."
Join 1199SEIU
Thousands of healthcare professionals are joining 1199SEIU, and now it’s our turn. Join a community of over 450,000 members across the East Coast. Together we can win higher pay, affordable benefits, and more.