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Represented by Connecticut Health Care Associates 1199, the workers at Norwalk Hospital have given their employer Morrison Healthcare a 10-day notice of their intent to strike beginning on Monday, Nov. 25.
The union unanimously voted for this action in September after what they allege is "bad faith bargaining," CHCA 1199 leaders said in a news release.
The dispute stems from Morrison Healthcare's decision to revoke a prior agreement to resume annual evaluations and raises, a policy that workers say has left some without pay increases or performance feedback for years.
“These brave workers are standing together to say, ‘Enough is enough,’” said David Hannon, President of CHCA District 1199. "These workers deserve more from Morrison, and they deserve it now.
Hannon highlighted the company’s reported $3.5 billion revenue in 2022, saying the workers’ low wages are “tone-deaf treatment.”
Workers, including long-serving cafeteria staff and cooks who are responsible for preparing food for patients, earn wages just above minimum wage, despite years of service, the union said.
One employee with over 24 years of service earns only seven cents above the minimum rate. Local leaders, including Attorney General William Tong and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, have voiced support for the workers, joining previous picket lines in solidarity.
The food service workers’ strike marks the latest in a wave of unionization efforts across Connecticut, as healthcare employees rally for fair contracts and secure working conditions.
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