Alameda, CA – Nursing home workers at Alameda Healthcare & Wellness Center continued their picket today as they demand safe working conditions and union recognition. Workers are seeking representation from SEIU Local 2015, the largest union in California, which represents more than half a million long-term care workers statewide. Alameda Healthcare & Wellness is one of the largest non-union nursing home facilities in the immediate Oakland-San Francisco Bay Area.
On November 7, workers publicly announced their intent to unionize and delivered a 10-day notice to picket if management refused to grant union recognition. With no recognition to date, workers launched a three-day picket from November 18th through November 20th. If management continues to deny recognition after the picket, workers say they are prepared to escalate their action until their right to unionize is respected.
Workers at the facility experience widespread workplace issues that threaten both staff and resident well-being, including chronic short staffing, a lack of proper supplies, discriminatory treatment, and inadequate wages and benefits. This mismanagement and unsafe staffing practices put both workers and residents at risk.
“My coworkers and I need the protections of a union because without it, our concerns go unheard,” said Marina Nguyen, a Certified Nursing Assistant. “If we had a real voice at work it would reduce turnover and create the stability our residents depend on. This union isn’t just for us, it’s for the people we care for every day.”
“A union would give us the power to win better wages, stronger benefits, and a healthier work environment,” said Marcia Perez, a Certified Nursing Assistant. “I’ve been here for over 25 years, yet I’m earning nearly the same wage as someone who is brand new.”
The facility is owned by Shlomo Rechnitz, who owns approximately 88 nursing homes across California, with assets totaling more than $1.3 billion. Workers say that forming a union is essential to ensuring that both residents and staff are treated with dignity, respect, and safety.
“Care workers are standing up because they know their worth,” said SEIU Local 2015 President Arnulfo De La Cruz. “When workers speak out for better conditions, they’re speaking out for better care for every resident in that facility. We are with them every step of the way until their voices are heard and their rights are respected.”
SEIU Local 2015 remains committed to supporting workers at Alameda Healthcare & Wellness Center as they continue their campaign for union recognition.