West Hartford Nursing Home Workers Protest Pay: Union

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Unionized nursing home workers at two West Hartford facilities are demanding better pay and working conditions, with some seen picketing outside this week.

On Tuesday, unionized workers at both the Saint Mary Home and McAuley Assisted Living, both located in West Hartford, were seen with picket signs and chants.

They weren't on strike, according to union officials, but they were conducting an "informatinal picketing" session in a quest for better pay and conditions.

According to SEIU District 1199 New England, more than 70 percent of workers at McAuley earn only minimum wage and more than 70 percent of certified nursing assistants at Saint Mary earn less than $18 an our.

District 1199 says both facilities, operated by the Trinity Health System, are in negotiations with unionized workers for a new contract.

According to District 1199, nursing assistants, generally, earny about $20 an hour in the area.

The union claims, according to early proposals being bandied about, McAuley and Saint Mary employees wouldn't get that amount until 2026.

Union officials say both facilities in West Hartford are "facing critical issues recruiting and retaining staff due to low compensation."

SEIU District 1199, the New England Health Care Employees Union, represents over 25,000 caregivers in Connecticut and some 4,000 in Rhode Island.

For more information on District 1199, click on this link.