"During these difficult economic times, it's clear that hospital workers across Massachusetts have made the decision to come together to protect the quality of care they provide, the economic health of their hospitals and their communities." said 1199SEIU President George Gresham. "We're proud to welcome the workers at Norwood into the 1199 family - and we're ready to continue the momentum at hospitals throughout Massachusetts."

The vote included respiratory therapists, radiology techs, licensed practical nurses, nurse assistants, pharmacy techs, paramedics, secretaries, housekeepers, dietary workers and many others. In the past year alone, thousands of health care workers in Boston and throughout the country have voted to join 1199SEIU for a voice for job security, a better future for their families, and to provide the best patient care.

"I have been a CNA for 30 years, including 12 years at Norwood, and I love it," said ICU Nursing Assistant Mary Nuahn. "The passion that I have for my patients continues to grow and I am excited for the new opportunities we will have as members of 1199. It will not only benefit us, but also patient care."

"I am very happy with my job and the people I work with," said Diane Shemack, an ER Secretary at Norwood. "It's because of this that I believe job security is very important. 1199 is beneficial in this respect. To have a voice of our own is the key to a happier and healthier work environment."

In October of 2007, non-union hospital workers across Boston announced their appeal to hospital CEOs to allow free and fair voting conditions when deciding whether to join a union. Caritas Christi Health Care, the largest community based health system in Massachusetts, distinguished itself as the first major health system to forge such an agreement with 1199SEIU in January 2009.

"Norwood Hospital is an important resource for community care," said 1199SEIU Executive Vice President Mike Fadel, "Workers at Norwood Hospital will now be able to use the strength of their united voice to advocate for the best care for their patients and funding for their hospital."

Workers at Norwood Hospital, Carney Hospital and St. Elizabeth's Medical Center have pledged to assist health care workers at facilities across Greater Boston achieve similar protections through free and fair union election agreements with other hospital employers.

They have also pledged to support the organizing efforts of workers at other Caritas Christi facilities where union election campaigns are expected to launch in the near future.