MADISON, Wis. — Service and support workers at UnityPoint Health–Meriter gathered on Saturday to discuss priorities in ongoing union contract negotiations.
The event took place at the Urban League of Greater Madison.
The workers, represented by SEIU Wisconsin, are advocating for fair wages, improved paid time off, and recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday. The event, titled “A Day for Dignity, A Day for Rest,” included a press conference and community gathering.
Michael Elvord, facilities manager at the Urban League of Greater Madison and an executive board and committee member of SEIU Wisconsin, highlighted the focus of the negotiations.
“It’s about us being in a contract negotiation with Meriter hospital,” Elvord said. “We’re negotiating a multitude of things. But, of course, wages fair treatment in the workplace, and also we’re trying to get Meriter hospital to recognize MLK Day as a paid holiday for the hospital and for its employees.”
Workers emphasized the importance of recognizing the holiday for the hospital’s diverse workforce.
“The greatest benefit that we see… is the feeling that your workforce, your employees, have when they’re treated fairly,” Elvord said.
Elvord shared that his involvement in the negotiations was influenced by his upbringing. “I grew up in a union household,” he said.
“I also grew up in a household where community and giving back to the community was an emphasis.”
He encouraged others to engage in workplace advocacy.
