(ROCHESTER, NEW YORK) - A dozen Health Care Workers from area hospitals, nursing homes, and home care have completed the first annual Bruce Popper Union Leadership Program - a two-day workshop created to further develop emerging Leaders of the Rochester Labor Movement.

The workshop honors the legacy of 1199 Service Employees International Union’s (SEIU) late Vice President Bruce Popper (pictured above), who passed away after decades of service leading the area’s Labor Movement and is described as a way to honor and to continue his legacy around Social Justice and economic issues.

“I first met Bruce in 2015 and his words of wisdom were awesome and he was a Man of integrity who led the Union Movement and influenced the lives of so many Workers. Participating in the workshop was a good learning experience to sharpen my leadership skills,” said Cassandra Knight, a Patient Unit Secretary, said. 

Participants learned of the rich history of the Labor Movement in Rochester and also the struggles their predecessors endured fighting for fair and just rights for workers.

It was designed to hone in on leadership and organizing skills, conflict resolution, advocacy, critical thinking and public speaking.  

“I loved the workshop and I loved the little things we did and the information we learned. It was a great benefit because there is so much knowledge in the Union,” said Geraldine Walker, a Licensed Practical Nurse who participated in the offering.  

Tracey Harrison, who serves as 1199 SEIU Vice-President for the Rochester/Corning Area, said: “Participants engaged deeply with the rich legacy of the Labor Movement in Rochester, gaining insight into the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them in the fight for fair and just rights for Workers. This was a truly historic moment that illuminated the powerful history of (1199) SEIU in Rochester. We were honored to have some of the most impactful facilitators guiding the conversation - among them Assemblyman Demond Meeks, Wade Norwood, the CEO of Common Ground Health, and several founding members from the 1974 Union Organizing Drive. Their presence and perspectives helped shape a transformative experience for all involved.”

1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East - whose mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all, is the largest and fastest-growing Health Care Union In America – representing more than 400,000 Nurses and Caregivers throughout the States of Florida, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Maryland, and in Washington, D.C.

Group Photo Courtesy Of 1199 SEIU.

Bruce Popper File Photo.