“We need the union because we are professionals,” proclaimed Victoria Jackson, member of SEIU Local 668 and employee of the Department of Community and Economic Development. “We care for our jobs and, most of all, we care for our clients. We do our jobs because we care, not because we get paid!”

Victoria was joined by an impressive and committed showing of her fellow union brothers and sisters on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at the annual Chapter Eight Candidate Education Forum. 

The event was held at the Camp Hill Municipal Building, where 45 SEIU Local 668 members were joined by eight state legislators and county commissioners.

In order to encourage an open dialogue among the participants, each government official was seated at a table with members of Local 668. Our purpose was to discuss issues important to our Union’s members, including how budget cuts have affected our ability to serve our clients and how important it is that human services are fully funded in Pennsylvania. As part of the budget discussion, we also reviewed with our guests the Union's cost savings measures. 

After everyone had a chance to talk about some of these important issues in small groups, the table leaders shared with the entire group a brief synopsis of their table’s discussion.  The government officials were then given an opportunity to address the membership. 

There was a feeling of hope and understanding as the membership listened to what our guests had to say. We found that they were open to our ideas, and the officials expressed their willingness to work with us to reach a common ground. 

Cumberland County Commissioner Barbara Cross addressed the crowd and expressed her appreciation for the work our members do, saying that “service to the most vulnerable is a core function in county government. SEIU provides these services each and every day with care, compassion, and commitment. Thank you.”

A staff member for Representative Scott Perry promised that he would share our cost savings ideas with the legislator.

It was a great opportunity for us all to share ideas and make our voices heard. As the night grew to an end, applause filled the room. When it was over, everyone walked away with a feeling of cooperation and hope for the future of human services in Pennsylvania.