Low wages are driving a staffing shortage that impacts safety and education
We love the work we do but it is not an easy job. Many Groden students are non-verbal with behavioral, emotional, physical or cognitive challenges. To get the education they deserve, our kids need experienced staff trained to respond to their needs. But it is very difficult to attract and retain staff with the low wages we currently earn.”
Richard Jenkins, a Behavioral Specialist Coordinator.
We have been negotiating in good faith for months because we want to reach an agreement that ultimately improves the quality of education and support we give our kids. None of us want to strike but we need management to know the status quo is not working for anyone. There is still time for them to do the right thing, return to negotiations and work with us to settle a contract that helps us ramp up staffing and pays us enough to take care of our families."
Katherine Siguenza, a Behavioral Specialist Coordinator, who has worked at Groden for 12 and a half years.
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District 1199 SEIU New England represents 29,000 health care and service workers in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Southeastern Massachusetts. In Rhode Island, 1199 SEIU NE represents over 4,000 members. 1199 SEIU NE is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – a union of over 2 million members across the country.