(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) - Workers employed at the Pride Center of Western New York have voted unanimously to Unionize with the Rochester Regional Joint Board of Workers United.

The vote followed Workers announcing their intent to organize earlier this month.

The Pride Center of Western New York is an affiliate of Evergreen Health is the first LGBT non-profit to organize in Upstate New York.

Workers there provide services to promote LGBT health and HIV prevention. 

“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,” - Delaney Sprecker, a Community Health Worker with the organization, said.

“We fight to protect our clients and now we are fighting to protect ourselves,” added Ashtin Ashbrook, an Engagement and Education Coordinator.
Workers, who say that the decision to join with Workers United is a natural extension of the important work they do within the LGBTQ+ community, 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.

“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,” Miguel Cocerez, a Case Coordinator, said.

“The LGBTQ+ community's diversity is apparent in our work.  In order to better serve our diverse community, we must care for ourselves in the workplace.  I stand in solidarity with my Co-Workers in creating an even better Pride Center,” said Jamie Saucier, an Administrative Coordinator.

“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,” added Shateer Douglas, a Trans Youth Coordinator.

Going forward, Workers say they are hopeful Evergreen and the Pride Center will negotiate a good contract quickly, and join the rest of the Western New York Queer Community in their support of the Labor Movement.