LYNN — More than 1,000 Bridgewell caregivers have voted to strike.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 509 said it’s seeking a pay increase for its employees. The union represents nearly 20,000 human service workers and educators in Massachusetts.
On Friday, the union delivered the required 10-day notice of their intention to strike on August 20.
The Peabody-based nonprofit operates group homes and provides care to 6,250 people that require residential, behavioral health, employment training, housing, and substance recovery services throughout the North Shore, including Lynn.
“I am proud of what I do, I wake up every morning ready to work to take care of my individuals and Bridgewell management should take care of us,” said Ademola Odubiyi, who has worked at the agency since 2010, in a statement. “We need better pay but most importantly we need better working conditions. In this contract, I would like Bridgewell management to show us how proud they are of the services and care that we provide.”
Ana Victoria Morales, a union spokeswoman, said its members continue to bargain in good faith with Bridgewell management.
She said the striking workers provide direct care for clients, assist people with disabilities and help them live with dignity. But these frontline caregivers struggle to earn a living wage, resulting in high turnover and staffing issues that impact the quality of care, Morales said.
Attempts to reach a resolution have been rejected by management, she said.
Kelly J. Martin, Bridgewell’s interim chief executive officer, declined to be interviewed.
In a statement she said despite budget limitations, the nonprofit has worked to ensure our dedicated employees receive a fair wage.
“We have done our best to negotiate a contract and we are disappointed that an agreement has not yet been reached,” she said in an email. “Our plan is to remain actively engaged in discussions to resolve any remaining issues in the coming days. In the meantime, Bridgewell is fully prepared with a contingency plan to provide care and support to our clients in the event the union moves forward with their threat.”
