Asian Health Services strike school on July 20 was a huge success, with over half of AHS SEIU 1021 members in attendance. Participants heard important information from SEIU 1021’s legal team and discussed strategies for a successful strike if necessary.

SEIU 1021 AHS members’ recent picket on July 17 had a tremendous impact on the bargaining table, but they’re keeping the momentum going with daily picketing at ALL AHS Sites from July 31 to August 11 between 12 pm and 2 pm.

The picket tables will provide information to the public about how the contract affects workers, patients, and the community. As discussed at the strike school, AHS, a nonprofit healthcare provider, has substantial reserves of over $110 million. While some of it is designated for new buildings and renovations, AHS workers are demanding that management prioritize employees and put staff first to ensure the best, most timely care for AHS patients, including some of the community’s most vulnerable residents like refugees and immigrants.

“To carry on the quality of care, we need more staff,” said Apple Lo, a medical clinic technician at AHS. ”We cannot provide enough quality of care to our patients. Without competitive pay, we are not able to keep experienced, skilled workers, and we are not able to hire any new staff. I really love our patients. Most of our patients are elderly folks. But with the low pay, most of us who stay only stay because of the staff and the patients.”

“I joined AHS because this is a community I want to serve,” said Vicky Tan, an AHS medical assistant. “I went to school to help Asians and Asian Americans. It’s just disheartening to see that we can’t serve them to our best capacity because we are all so burnt out. It’s sad. We want to help our patients to the best of our ability, but it’s difficult to keep our batteries charged if they’re always being drained because there’s just not enough staffing.”

Let’s stand united for fair treatment and investment in our dedicated workforce! Find out more at staffupasianhealth.org.