Spectrum workers 'caravan of solidarity'

Ansonia, Conn. (WTNH) - Spectrum Healthcare workers pounded the pavement again Saturday protesting for a new contract at Hilltop Health Center in Ansonia.

Week 15 on the picket line and dozens of union workers loaded up and moved out on a caravan of solidarity to Spectrum nursing homes in the valley.

"I would say that as soon as the employer understands that he's been breaking the law -- OSAH is breathing down his neck, that legislators are looking out for sub-standard care, and that the National Labor Relations Board is going to rule on what we consider his law breaking -- I think at that point he'll be ready to come to the table, said SEIU 1199’s Vice President Steve Thorton.

News 8: “Right now, that's not the case?”
Thorton: “Correct."

That's why these nursing home staffers have rallied at all of Spectrum's nursing homes in Connecticut since April 15th. While they have garnered the support of legislators and others in the community, there are those with their objections.

Suzanne Matthies has been at Hilltop Health Center for three weeks.

“I support their right to strike. That's not my problem. What I don’t support is their inconsideration to the people that live, not only in this building, but the rest of the neighborhood,” Matthies said. “Nobody here deserves to be woken up before 8 o'clock in the morning by bullhorns, yelling and screaming, making all kinds of noise. That's no reason for this."

Cynthia Bednar, a fourteen-year striking Hilltop veteran employee, says folks like Suzanne are the reason for this.

“I apologize to my patients if it's inconveniencing them. But we're fighting for them,” she stated.

Steve Thorton continued, "For every person that's made a complaint, we've had two family members and two residents at all our homes who come out and walk the line with us."

While 15 weeks certainly has been a long time, the union says they will continue to strike seven days a week and 18 hours a day until they come to a fair agreement and a fair contract, in their estimation.

News 8’s calls to Spectrum Healthcare were not returned as of Saturday evening.

However, the organization's website says it is "negotiating in good faith to reach fair and reasonable labor agreements with the union. In addition, appropriate security measures have been taken to ensure that family members and other visitors can easily enter and exit our facilities without disruption."