Hospital Workers at Hemet Valley Medical Center Join Union to Improve Patient Care and Staffing

Mediator Certifies Workers' Union

(Hemet, CA) – Nearly 400 Licensed Vocational Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Certified Nursing Assistants, Radiology Technologists and other healthcare workers at Hemet Valley Medical Center have officially formed a union to achieve a voice for quality patient care. On Monday, June 5, 2006, a Mediator certified the decision of a majority of hospital employees who signed authorization cards in support of forming a union with SEIU United Healthcare Workers – West. 

"With a union we have a collective voice so we can better advocate for our patients," said John Quinoy, a Central Supply Aide. "We have a voice to improve wages and benefits to help recruit and retain qualified staff so our patients get the best care."

Hemet Valley Medical Center, a 340-bed facility, is affiliated with the Valley Health System.  Healthcare workers at Hemet Valley Medical Center join workers at Moreno Valley Community Hospital and Menifee Valley Medical Center, the two other Valley Health System hospitals, where workers have also unionized under SEIU.

In the next few weeks, employees will prepare to negotiate their first union contract by electing co-workers to serve on a bargaining team. 

"We look forward to working with the administration to set new standards in pay, benefits and staffing so our hospital can continue to give the best care," said Dan Kolster, a Pharmacy Technician. "Joining our union benefits our community, our hospital and our professions."