According to CMS, which is a non-governmental organisation devoted to promoting evidence-based public policies that protect the rights of migrants, newcomers, and refugees, the award is a tribute to the hard work and great service of frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to union leaders advocating for safer workplaces. Another union, the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), also received the award.

Link to the virtual gala event https://cmsny.org/event/2020-gala/.

HUMANITARIAN SERVICE AWARD

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

The 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East represents over 450,000 nurses, nurse aides, techs, lab workers, clerks, housekeepers, dietary workers, transporters, pharmacists, social workers, and many other types of medical professionals. They are frontline caregivers in hospitals, nursing homes, home care, clinics, pharmacies, and all other areas of the healthcare industry. Over the years, 1199 has won some of the highest standards for healthcare workers in the country, including good wages and benefits, safe staffing, paid time off, secure retirement, model childcare and education benefits, and a real voice work in the workplace. 1199SEIU members in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, and Florida are on the frontlines of this COVID-19 pandemic. They have made enormous sacrifices to fight the pandemic and to deliver exceptional care to patients.