NEW YORK CITY, NY (September 14, 2009) -- Montefiore Medical Center and 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East (1199 SEIU) announced today the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of their historic partnership.  Together, they share a continued commitment to a joint approach toward the future.  Montefiore Medical Center was the first hospital in New York City to officially recognize 1199 SEIU in 1959.  It was in 1959 that 1199 SEIU, a 27-year-old, 5,000-member organization with limited resources, led a campaign to organize New York City hospital employees to achieve collective bargaining rights, improving both healthcare benefits and wages for the employees.  Breaking with precedent in the industry, Montefiore courageously came forward and recognized the importance of joining efforts to ensure its employees were properly cared for and respected.

Employees at Montefiore represented by 1199 SEIU, include registered nurses and many clerical, technical, service, and maintenance employees.  Montefiore continues to believe in the value and importance of a positive, constructive relationship with its employees' union.  With a mission to achieve affordable, high quality healthcare for all, 1199 SEIU is the largest healthcare union in the country, with 350,000 members in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Washington D.C.   Throughout its history, 1199 SEIU has worked for a better life for all working families.  Montefiore shares the organization's purpose of unity.

"This is an important milestone for Montefiore and 1199," said Steven M. Safyer, MD, President and CEO of Montefiore.  "Our uniquely collaborative partnership enhances our ability to make great strides in uplifting the spirits and health of the individuals we serve.  It is an honor to be affiliated with such an esteemed group and we look forward to continuing the relationship."

George Gresham, President of 1199 SEIU said, "Sharing a common vision is essential to a long-lasting, productive relationship.  Over the past fifty years, Montefiore Medical Center and 1199 shared a willingness to grow, improve, and provide the best quality care possible.  The solidarity between our two organizations has brought us to where we are today. We, too, anticipate many more years of valuable collaboration."

1199 SEIU members serve the homecare, hospital and nursing home industries, as well as pharmacies, freestanding clinics and other healthcare settings, caring for the sick, the infirm and the elderly. 

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