UHW Unveils Proposals for SEIU Convention

Proposed Constitutional Amendments Would Ensure Union Democracy

OAKLAND, Calif., April 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Healthcare workers
leading a movement to restore democracy to the nation's largest union have
unveiled their proposed amendments to SEIU's constitution, which will be
considered at the union's upcoming convention in June.

The amendments were proposed by members of United Healthcare Workers-West,
SEIU's fastest-growing local union, in an effort to counter the increasingly
autocratic, top-down, leadership style of SEIU President Andy Stern and his
Washington, D.C.-based administration.

"This common-sense package of amendments will ensure that all SEIU members
enjoy the full rights afforded by a truly democratic union," said Eloise
Reese-Burns, a UHW member and nursing assistant at Cottonwood Healthcare
Center. "How can leaders say they support democracy and still oppose them?
SEIU is trying to limit worker involvement. Our amendments will make SEIU
officers in D.C. accountable to union members, so that we have a real voice in
all decisions."

UHW's eight amendments are intended to enshrine members' rights to participate
in and lead bargaining and organizing efforts. They call for direct election
of SEIU's officers and propose a structure to coordinate efforts among locals
representing workers in the same industry.

Earlier this year, UHW's elected executive board, which includes over 70
rank-and-file members, adopted a "Platform for Change," outlining key
principles that must be the foundation of any strong union. The amendments
translate the Platform's principles into constitutionally guaranteed rights
for all SEIU members. The Platform and amendments can be found at
www.seiuvoice.org.

Although the convention is less than two months away, SEIU's officers have not
released any detailed information about their proposed changes to the
constitution, other than vague highlights. What little information they have
released reveals the potential for further consolidation of power in SEIU
headquarters and away from members.

"With these amendments, we're trying to make SEIU more democratic and
transparent, and we welcome open debate on them," said Sal Rosselli, president
of UHW. "We call on SEIU to release their proposals now, so that member
delegates to the convention can make informed decisions about the direction of
their union."

The 150,000-member SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West is the largest,
fastest-growing hospital and healthcare union in the western United States and
represents every type of healthcare worker, including nurses, professional,
technical and service classifications. Our mission is to achieve high-quality
healthcare for all.

CONTACT:Kim Curtis of SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West, +1-510-206-8248

SOURCE SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West

Kim Curtis of SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West, +1-510-206-8248