Planned Parenthood workers in Massachusetts, including those based at the organization’s Worcester and Marlborough locations, voted to unionize and join 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.
Of those participating in the vote, 98% were in favor, showing overwhelming support among workers unionizing, despite Planned Parenthood Legion of Massachusetts CEO Jennifer Childs-Roshak previously voicing her opposition to the union.
Planned Parenthood workers in the state announced their intention to unionize back in May, saying the then-leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft overturning Roe v. Wade would lead to an increase in workload for women fleeing states outlawing abortion. The Supreme Court has since officially overturned the federal right to an abortion.
“This vote reinforces that the voices of healthcare heroes must be centered in safeguarding quality care in Massachusetts,” Tim Foley, executive vice president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, wrote in a statement following the vote. “PPLM workers now have that opportunity and will be able to inform the future of reproductive and gender-affirming care in Massachusetts.”
The unionization applies to the four Planned Parenthood locations across the state, located in Worcester, Marlborough, Springfield and Boston.
