Picket Set to Demand Affordable Health Care and an End to Poverty Wages at Northeast Valley Health Corporation Clinics

SAN FERNANDO, Calif., June 28 /PRNewswire/ — Caregivers at Northeast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC) facilities unanimously voted to hold an informational picket on Friday, June 29 to bring attention to management’s failure to work with frontline caregivers on policies to improve retention, wages and the recruitment of qualified staff so patients get the best care possible. NEVHC is a non-profit organization and is one of the nation’s largest community health centers providing services to adults, children, adolescents and families who are medically under-served.

"We provide healthcare services to the poor yet it’s shameful we cannot afford such services for ourselves," said Marie Michaelsen, Nutrition Counselor, 11-year employee. "I’ve had to find alternative medications for my son’s asthma and allergies. Where’s NEVHC’s commitment to community healthcare?"

The healthcare workers have been negotiating a union contract with NEVHC but talks have stalled over the company’s high cost of health coverage. Combined with current low wages, workers say such high costs are forcing many to sacrifice needed medical care for themselves and their families. Other healthcare facilities in the area offer affordable employee benefits.

"How can patients get the best care if employees are forced to look for other jobs?" says Jose Sandoval, Consumer Relations Coordinator, a 3-year employee. "Many of us cannot afford the medical coverage NEVHC offers, which could be as high as $400 per month out of our wages. I’m worried about my future and how my family is going to survive."

   WHAT:   Informational Picketing, Rally and Press Conference    WHERE:  In front of the San Fernando Health Center           1600 San Fernando Road, San Fernando 91340    WHEN:   Friday, June 29, 2007,           Picketing 12:00pm - 1:00 pm           Press Conference 12:00pm - 12:15pm    WHO:    Spanish/English Speaking Caregivers, Assemblymembers Felipe           Fuentes, Lloyd Levine; Mayor Pro-Tem Nury Martinez expected to           attend -- TO BE CONFIRMED  SEIU United Healthcare Workers West represents 140,000 healthcare workers   statewide including almost 400 members at the Northeast Valley Health    Corporation facilities.  SEIU UHW is the largest and fastest growing healthcare union in the western United States and represents every type of  healthcare worker, including nurses, professional, technical and service     workers with a mission to achieve high quality healthcare for all.    Contact: Tadzio Garcia            (213) 300-8974  

SEIU United Healthcare Workers West

CONTACT: Tadzio Garcia of SEIU United Healthcare Workers West,+1-213-300-8974