Walker Methodist trying again to bust union, workers say

Dozens of Walker Methodist Health Center caregivers, alongside community activists and strong allies from the labor movement, held an informational picket Sunday for a fair contract.

The picketers said that, even though they care for some of Minnesota’s most vulnerable elderly citizens, the employer has been trying to bust their union for over a decade.

Waving signs that boasted the union’s “Stronger Together” logo and chanting “Hey! Ho! Union Busters Have Got to Go,” the workers sent a strong message to management: We make Walker Methodist happen, we’re not disposable, and we deserve living wages and respect on the job.

Gaybaril Lightfoot, the president of Walker Methodist AFSCME Local 3532, spoke to the crowd from the bed of a pickup truck parked in front of the facility.

“Our union is here to stay! We’re going to stick together,” she said. “This employer has implemented policies and procedures that violate our union contract, and we need to get this straightened out. We need respect, we need a livable wage, and we need to be treated fairly. We are here to work together, not against Walker Methodist. We all have a common interest – the people here that we care for, and everyone else. We all care for one another.”

Lightfoot’s impassioned speech was followed by words of solidarity from nurse’s aide Genet Heilermichael, a Local 3532 activist who pointed out the importance of solidarity when it comes to standing up to the boss.

“Some of us are scared – but we need to work together,” she said. Local 3532 Vice President Honore Maurice echoed Heilermichael’s sentiment, emphasizing the need to show unity to the anti-union employer.

Jamie Long, a representative from Congressman Keith Ellison’s office, joined the rally to read aloud a letter from the Congressman in support of Walker workers and our right to bargain for fair wages and benefits.

“Your work providing care is meaningful to the individuals you serve, and to the entire community, and we thank you for it. Collective bargaining is essential to restoring economic mobility to American workers and rebuilding the middle class,” the letter stated. “Workers deserve dignity and respect. They deserve fair wages, and good benefits.” Congressman Ellison’s letter of support was met with applause from the crowd of workers and supporters.

Picketers were also joined by Asad Aliweyd, executive director of New American Academy, an organization that helps new immigrants and low-income youth access jobs and housing, and works for economic development in immigrant communities.

“This is a human rights issue – to get better paying jobs and protect the rights of the employees. They care for the elderly. I support this mission to help Walker workers,” Aliweyd said.

Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association and Teamsters also joined the picket, circling the Walker Methodist Health Center complex with “Stronger Together” signs and chanting “No justice, no peace” alongside Walker workers, our family members, and supporters from the community.

AFSCME Council 5 Executive Director Eliot Seide closed the rally by calling out the employer for more than a decade of anti-worker schemes to keep workers underpaid and bust our union.

“It took us six years to get our first contract and this employer’s been treating these workers with a lack of dignity and a lack of respect for a decade now. We’re fighting out here for a fair contract and dignity in the workplace. It’s time for this management to start treating workers with respect. Give them a fair contract and stop the attempts to break this union. It’s been a decade already,” Seide said. “Enough is enough.”

During the picket, workers asked supporters to sign postcards asking Walker management to stop violating labor law and focus on paying fair wages. Community members who’d like to help Walker workers gain traction toward a fair contract are encouraged to call Scott Riddle, CEO and president of Walker Methodist, and tell him it’s time to stop breaking the law and start respecting workers. Riddle can be reached at Walker Methodist Health Center at 612-827-5931.

Reprinted from the AFSCME Council 5 website.

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