Golden Cross Workers Deserve Better

Workers at Golden Cross Convalescent, on Fresno and A Street in West Fresno, held an informational picket line today. The workers demanded restoration of their contract.
On Dec. 1, 2006 the facility was sold to Jeoung Lee who owns and operates other facilities in Los Angeles. All wages were cut from $1.00 to $2.00 per hour along with benefits. Seniority was lost and workers were placed on a 90 day probation. The newly imposed wage rates and benefits represent significant reductions in wages and benefits.

Rita Amescuita, who works at Golden Cross, said “the residents here are like family to us, but we need a living wage to survive." Amescuita said that many of the workers can not live on the salary they are receiving and are considering a strike to restore the contract. Workers at Golden Cross are represented by the Service Employees International Union - United Health Care West. SEIU is the fastest growing union in the country.