FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October,17 2025

Contact: Jessica Roth, SEIU Local 668
jessica.roth@seiu668.org| (717) 489-2181

Merakey Workers Rally Outside the Company's Gala Amid Stalled Contract Negotiations

On October 16, 2025, SEIU Local 668 members who work for Merakey in Bucks, Cambria, and Westmoreland counties rallied outside The Delbrook in Drexel Hill during Merakey’s annual Leading the Way Awards Gala.

Workers rallied to call attention to stalled contract negotiations and Merakey’s resistance to paying a living wage to its workers. While hosting a lavish gala. “Merakey workers are the frontline workers who make it possible for Merakey’s mission to be fulfilled, while management is inside enjoying a gala, the workers are out here to demand respect and compensation that reflects their expertise and qualifications.”  Said SEIU Local Secretary Treasurer Nina Coffey.

Merakey’s refusal to offer a competitive wage package has led to recruitment and retention problems. The workers care deeply for the clients they serve and spoke about how retention issues are detrimental to their clients' well-being. The group highlighted that Merakey is charging donors an exorbitant amount for tables at the event, yet they refuse to provide wages that keep up with rising costs.

SEIU Local 668 Merakey workers include family-based therapists, direct support professionals, and support coordinators.