THE UNION DIFFERENCE
Better jobs for us, better care for our patients
In our upcoming union election, we will have three choices:
1199SEIU, the nation’s strongest healthcare worker union that represents over 3,000 EMS workers;
Local 741, a “union” more concerned with its relationship with management than supporting us as workers;
NO union, where we would be at-will employees and management would decide everything.
SEE THE DIFFERENCE:
VOICE AND RESPECT
Local 741
None.
Many of us at Citywide weren’t even aware that we are represented by Local 741.
1199 Members
Employees have a real voice and are respected.
When we negotiate our union contracts, we elect our own bargaining committees and have final approval on our contracts.
Management has to sit down with employees and negotiate wages and benefits in a written contract.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Local 741
Expensive and limited.
Under Local 741’s plan, employees can pay hundreds of dollars a month for health, dental, vision and prescriptions, especially with family coverage.
These high premiums increase yearly, burdening members with additional costs.
1199 Members
Affordable healthcare.
Most full-time (and many part-time) 1199 members have negotiated low-cost health, vision, dental and prescriptions for employee, children and spouse.
Ability to bargain over retirement benefits.
PAY
Local 741
Inadequate.
On top of more expensive healthcare costs for members, Local 741 accepted lower raises. Newer hires with less seniority also receive lower annual raises.
1199 Members
Winning higher pay for our profession.
1199 first responders have fought to win strong 1199SEIU contracts that guarantee step increases and annual raises for all. In 2023 alone, many 1199 members in New York City won far superior annual raises of 7%, 6% and 5% totaling 18% over three years.
JOB SECURITY
Local 741
Inadequate.
Can we trust a "union" that as recently as 2019 reported giving "deferred compensation" to a former leader who was indicted on racketeering charges as part of the Genovese crime family to keep our jobs secure?
1199 Members
Strong job security
1199 members have negotiated protections against layoffs and subcontracting.
Members win contracts with a fair disciplinary procedure so workers are not fired without just cause.
WORKPLACE SAFETY
Local 741
Safety ignored.
The 741 contract requires the employer to follow government regulations for ambulance equipment and prohibits employees from operating unsafe vehicles. However, these safety provisions are often ignored or unenforced.
1199 Members
A strong voice in safety standards.
1199 contracts in New York City include safety standards that protect EMS members.
Worker-management committees such as the Safety and Health Committee meet regularly to address job safety and other health issues.
MANDATORY OVERTIME
Local 741
Accepts mandatory O/T for members.
1199 Members
A say in fair process.
1199 members have negotiated a say in fair process and competitive pay differentials for O/T.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Local 741
Inadequate.
Our employer contributes $16 per month per employee to a “Joint Industry Fund,” yet many Citywide workers are unaware of this Fund or how to access it.
1199 Members
1199 members have won education at no cost.
Tuition reimbursement, including up to $8,320 for undergraduate and $12,304 for graduate health or work-related degree programs annually, with tuition paid for up front at over 50 local colleges including SUNY and CUNY plus Monroe College and Touro.
No-cost continuing medical education seminars and conferences.
CHILDCARE
Local 741
None.
1199 Members
Frequently won childcare benefits at no or low cost
The 1199 Childcare Fund covers partial cost of day care from your chosen provider (including family members), depending on income.
Includes vouchers for summer camp and educational and workforce programs.