Group Home Workers, Paraprofessionals Vote to Join Nursing Home Workers on Strike Line

​For Immediate Release

HARTFORD – A second wave of workers represented by SEIU 1199 New England is preparing to go on strike, as they remain without a contract and continue to struggle to survive on poverty wages. Group home workers, paraprofessionals from Oak Hill Schools, and staff from other community program sites across Connecticut will deliver their strike notifications to the Governor’s Office following a brief press conference.

“You can’t retain skilled, trained staff when you’re only paying them $18 an hour. It’s putting everyone at risk and leaving staffing ratios not properly maintained. We need to invest in caregivers for the safety of our individuals and our staff.”

Linnea Moore, Residential Program Worker, Oak Hill

These essential workers echo the message of their fellow 1199NE nursing home members, who at the request of Governor Lamont, agreed to postpone their strike by eight days. Wages across both sectors have remained stagnant, and workers are struggling to afford basic needs like rent, groceries, and utilities—all while costs continue to rise.

In a letter sent to union leadership (attached), and in a follow-up statement issued by his office, Governor Lamont acknowledged that wages for nursing home workers do not reflect the value of their essential labor. He expressed his commitment to joining efforts to secure increased compensation—an outcome he believes the majority of legislative leaders support.

“I voted to delay our strike to give the Governor a chance to do what is right. We gave him notice for a reason—I’m hoping he will do the right thing. We hope to see a solution that supports our members, but I remain cautious. If our demands are not met, we are still ready and will go on strike.”

Johannah Alabi, CNA

Avery Heights & Governor’s House

Nursing home, and group home caregivers have already held multiple press events warning of the potential for a strike—first on April 1 and again on May Day, May 1—Nursing home workers voted to delay their strike by eight days, moving the start date from May 19 to May 27 at 6:00 AM. Despite the delay, their demand remains clear: a real pathway to $30/hour, safe staffing, and respect on the job.

Without a resolution over 1700 additional caregivers will join the nearly 6,000 nursing home workers in what will be the largest strike of healthcare workers in Connecticut history.

Media is invited to join members after the press conference in the delivery of the strike notices to the Governor’s Office in the Capitol. To request interviews directly with members contact the SEIU 1199NE Communications Office at call/text (860) 280-6443 or via email at comms@seiu1199ne.org.