“On February 25, 1999, the dream that started with a few became reality for all as workers voted overwhelmingly to join SEIU 434-B. Nearly 80,000 Los Angeles County homecare workers celebrated their greatest victory over what started out as a dream shared by Verdia Daniels, Ophelia McFadden and other coworkers to have a unified voice that would demand better wages and respect through a collective bargaining agreement.
“This victory turned into one of the largest organizing victories in decades and is referenced today as the event that helped revitalize the LA labor movement. Since 1999, this organizing model has served as the springboard for the organizing of hundreds of thousands of homecare workers throughout the United States.
“On behalf of the members and staff of SEIU 6434 and our International Union, I’d like to thank the brave women who recognized the need to take a bold stand for what was right, took the action necessary to move their dream forward, and persevered when they were told it would never happen. To us all, you are true heroes.
“We will continue to commemorate this milestone more fully and formally later this year. As we celebrate this anniversary, we are reminded how the actions of a few dedicated workers will soon result in the uniting of more than 240,000 long term care workers throughout California.”
~John Ronches, SEIU