Struggle & Progress: The History of 1199SEIU

We are a Union of healthcare workers. We work in the homecare, hospital and nursing home industries, as well as pharmacies, freestanding clinics and other healthcare settings. We care for the sick, the infirm, the elderly. Ours is noble work. We are dedicated to our patients, our members and our families. The mission of our Union is to improve and expand quality patient care, to protect and improve the lives of our members and our families, and to work in solidarity with working people in our communities and around the world. In 1998, we affiliated to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) which is, with 1.8 million healthcare and building service workers and public employees, the largest labor Union in North America. Since that time, some 15 SEIU healthcare Locals throughout New York State, the District of Columbia, Maryland and Massachusetts have merged with 1199 and today are part of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.