Tomorrow: NJ Nursing Home Workers to “Walkout For Black Lives,” Hold Silent Protests for 8 Minutes and 46 Seconds During Breaks & Shift Changes

WHAT: Nursing home workers in New Jersey will join together with 1199SEIU healthcare workers from across the East Coast on Thursday to hold silent vigils at their places of work, to honor the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others unjustly killed at the hands of police.  The actions will last 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the length of time that a police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd, killing him.

WHY: Nursing home workers and their communities are at the center of two public health crises—COVID-19 and racially-motivated police violence.  The large majority of nursing home workers are low-wage people of color whose neighborhoods suffer the worst impacts of health inequities and systemic racism.

VISUALS: Nursing home workers holding signs, standing and/or kneeling in silent protest for 8 minutes and 46 seconds.

STATEMENT OF MILLY SILVA, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF 1199SEIU:

(Interviews available upon request)

“The murder of George Floyd and the nationwide eruption of grief and outrage has made it clear—our country will no longer turn a blind eye to the police violence that has taken countless Black lives.  1199SEIU healthcare workers are today standing up against oppression and systemic racism as they continue to serve on the frontlines battling COVID-19.   We demand accountability, civilian oversight of police, and more investment in health, housing, and youth services.”

TIMES AND LOCATIONS OPEN TO PRESS:

(The actions will be held outside in front of the facilities)

Bergen County:

11:30AM

Ridgewood Center

330 Franklin Turnpike, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Burlington County:

3:15PM

Marcella Center

2305 Rancocas Rd, Burlington Township, NJ 08016

Essex County:

3PM

Windsor Gardens Care Center

140 Park Ave, East Orange, NJ 07017

Hudson County:

3PM

Castle Hill Health Care Center

615 23rd St, Union City, NJ 07087

Middlesex County:

3PM

Alameda Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

303 Elm St, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

3PM

JFK Hartwyck at Edison Estates

10 Brunswick Ave, Edison, NJ 08817

Ocean County:

1PM

Willow Springs Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

1049 Burnt Tavern Rd, Brick Township, NJ 08724

3PM

Atlantic Coast Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

485 River Ave, Lakewood Township, NJ 08701

Passaic County:

6:45AM

Arbor Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

261 Terhune Dr, Wayne, NJ 07470

Union County:

1PM

Westfield Center

1515 Lamberts Mill Rd, Westfield, NJ 07090

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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in New Jersey and nationwide. We represent over 16,000 healthcare families in New Jersey and over 450,000 total members throughout New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida, and Washington, D.C.   Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.