NEW YORK, NY – 1199SEIU President George Gresham has been re-elected for another three years Gresham has served as union president since 2007 in a union with over 450,000 members.
“I want to thank my sisters and brothers in 1199SEIU for their faith in our union, and in our dedicated leadership team,” said Gresham. “As we move forward, our concerns will focus, as they always have, on quality, affordable care for all Americans. Much of the polling over the past year shows the public is extremely concerned about the future of health care for themselves and their families. We will not sit idly by while some elected officials try to strip tens of thousands of hardworking Americans of the health care they deserve. Our caregivers know the health care system from a frontline perspective, and we will continue fighting to make sure their voices are heard.”
Maria Castaneda was also re-elected secretary-treasurer. She has been in that position since 2007.Castaneda is the highest-ranking Asian-American in the labor movement.
“My thanks to the union membership and staff for their continuing faith in me,” stated Castaneda. “Our 1199 delegates are the heart and soul of the union. They are the leaders in our workplace and communities advocating for quality health care, good jobs, social justice and a healthy planet. They also are an important point of contact for our members in the shops, problem-solving, making sure workers are treated fairly, and helping negotiate and enforce strong contracts. As the health care industry evolves, our delegates make sure our jobs and standards aren’t threatened by unscrupulous bosses.”
