Overcoming intense employer opposition, 160 workers who provide support for people with developmental disabilities at Delta Projects, Inc. voted to join SEIU Local 509 in Boston, MA. Delta employees stuck together and won their union despite a concerted effort by management to intimidate them into voting no. The DDS workers also had Governor Patrick Deval on their side. After meeting with the Delta workers in late February, Gov. Deval remarked, "All workers have the right to organize free from fear and intimidation."

Now that Delta employees have united in SEIU Local 509, instructor Ron Messina is looking forward to a better future both for Delta workers and the people they support. "With our union, we'll be able to make sure we are all finally treated with respect and dignity," said Messina.

SEIU Local 509 human service workers at Delta provide employment and residential support to both adults and children who are challenged by a range of physical and developmental issues, and who work and live in a variety of settings. For more information on Local 509's victory to give workers a voice on the job, visit www.seiu509.org.