SEIU-UHW Battle IntensifiesRandy Shawbyline‚ Dec. 12‚ 2008The nearly year long battle between SEIU and its California-based affiliate, the United HealthCare Workers (UHW), intensified yesterday as ballots were counted in an election that UHW chief Sal Rosselli described in a December 11 conference call as a “sham.” Though only “advisory,” the election, whose results were announced this morning, resulted in an 86.2% to 13.8% vote in favor of creating a single statewide long-term care local. If affirmed by SEIU's International Executive Board, the vote would result in UHW losing nearly half its membership (the alternative choice could have resulted in UHW ceasing to exist, replaced by a new statewide SEIU health care union). According to UHW, the election lacks legitimacy for several reasons, including the fact that less than 10% of 309,000 eligible voters cast ballots, while 125,000 union members filed protests. But SEIU insists that the realignment of UHW workers will enhance worker unity and power, while also facilitating new organizing. SEIU also maintains that Rosselli has reversed course in opposing the creation of a single local for California long-term caregivers; the UHW leader says he still supports such an entity, but SEIU is circumventing the democratic process. As the war of words escalates, prospects for a mediated solution diminish. |