(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) - Employees of the non-profit Pride Center, an affiliate of EvergreenHealth, have announced their unanimous decision to Unionize and ask management for voluntary recognition.

Workers say their decision to join with Workers United is a natural extension of the important work they do within Buffalo’s LGBTQ+ Community, and they add that they are “excited” to continue to echo the advocacy work that other local Unions - like Starbucks Workers United and the recently-Unionized AKG (Albright Knox Art Gallery), have done for Buffalo’s Queer Community.

Case Coordinator Miguel Cocerez said: “Often our clients are going through the hardest times of their lives and the stress we endure as Workers can also take a toll on us.  It affects our ability to meet the needs of our community.  With our Union we can set up structures at Pride that allow us to check in and support each other.”

“As a workplace staffed entirely by people in the LGBTQ+ Community, it is only natural that we empower ourselves the same way we empower our clients,” added Delaney Sprecker, a Community Health Worker.

Moving forward, the Workers are hopeful that Pride Center management respects the human right to organize and joins the rest of the Western New York Queer Community in their support of the Labor Movement. 

Shateer Douglas, a Trans Youth Coordinator said: “As a long-time Activist for Equality in New York State. I stand in solidarity with my Co-Workers and the Union.  Together, we advocate for an unconditionally affirming place to work, grow and serve our community.”

Logo Courtesy Of EvergreenHealth’s Website.