ITHACA, N.Y. — Clinical and support staff at Family and Children’s Services of Ithaca have launched a union campaign, authorizing the Communication Workers of America (CWA) to represent them in collective bargaining.
A supermajority of eligible staff, including nurses, clinicians, behavioral health care coordinators, outreach workers, facilities workers and administrative coordinators, signed cards supporting the union effort, a union representative said Thursday.
The move comes amid growing pressures on healthcare workers from insurance companies, which some say can compromise patient care. Clinician Calyx Steiner said the decision to unionize reflects a desire to create a new model for community-based mental health care that prioritizes the dignity and well-being of workers.
“Our choice to unionize reflects our belief that a new model for providing community-based mental health care is possible, without sacrificing the dignity and wellbeing of workers,” Steiner said. “We feel that sustainable working conditions will allow people to build long-term careers meeting the needs of our community.”
The unionization effort follows recent major union victories for nurses at Cayuga Medical Center, who are also affiliated with the CWA.
Family and Children’s interim Executive Director Dr. Alecia Sundsmo said the organization received the union request Wednesday evening and is currently reviewing the documentation.
“Because this request was received less than 24 hours ago, Family and Children’s Services is currently in the process of reviewing the documentation and consulting with our Board of Directors and regulatory bodies,” Sundsmo said. “It is essential that we ensure all next steps align with our operational requirements and our mission to provide uninterrupted, high-quality care to our clients.”
Sundsmo acknowledged and respected the right of employees to organize and engage in collective bargaining and thanked staff for their dedication and service to the community.
If the Family and Children’s Board of Directors agrees to voluntarily recognize the union, the unionization process could be streamlined. If the board declines, the matter will be decided by an election held by the National Labor Relations Board.
The union drive represents a significant step for mental health workers seeking improved working conditions and a stronger voice in shaping the future of community mental health care in Ithaca.
Contact: Megan Zerez, Ithaca Voice, mzerez@ithacavoice.org
