Union Overview
District 1199J, the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, is New Jersey’s original healthcare union.
Since formed in 1977, District 1199J represents healthcare and public employees including dietary and nurse’s aides, nurses, technicians and technologists, housekeepers, social workers, therapists, teachers, doctors, dentist psychologists, pharmacists, clerical workers, and home care aides, juvenile detention officers,
counselors and parks workers.
We represent more than 10,000 members at various healthcare facilities, correctional institutions, public agencies and residential re-entry centers throughout the state. Some of these include:
Christ Hospital, Clara Maass Medical Center, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Daughters of Israel Nursing Home, Carrier Clinic, Complete Care @ Bayshore, Family of Caring–Tenafly (formerly County Manor), Inglemoor Care Rehabilitation Center, Hoboken University Medical Center, Jersey City Medical Center, Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Mountainside Hospital, Trenton Gardens Rehab. (formerly Water’s Edge), Visiting Homemaker Services, Morris View Nursing Home, South Bergen Jointure Commission Board of Education, St.
Michael’s Medical Center, CFG @ Essex and Union County Jails, Hudson County and GEO Group (Harbor House and Tully House)
The union’s origins date back to 1932 at the height of the depression when pharmacists working in drug stores in New York City decided to form a union, 1199. Their organizing efforts extended to other drug store employees such as porters, drug clerks, soda fountain persons and cosmeticians. By 1958, the decision was made to organize hospital and nursing home workers.
Nearly 20 years later, the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, NUHHCE was formed with four established districts: 1199 New York which included Connecticut and New Jersey, 1199C in Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, 1199P in western Philadelphia and 1199E in Baltimore and Washington, DC. In 1977, an independent New Jersey district, District 1199J, was established and led by Aberdeen David.
Since 2006, Susan M. Cleary served the members of District 1199J as the union’s first female president up until her retirement in September 2024 when the District 1199J Executive Board unanimously voted to appoint Craig A. Ford as the President.
Frequently Asked Questions
1199J operates democratically and has mechanisms in place to ensure transparency and accountability. We have regular meetings, share updates, and provide financial reports to members. Additionally, union leadership is elected by the members, ensuring representation that reflects their interests.
Joining a union doesn’t mean you lose your voice; it actually amplifies it! 1199J encourages active member participation and welcomes your opinions and concerns. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in discussions, contribute ideas, and help shape the direction of your union.
1199J staff have established procedures to handle conflicts with management. They negotiate with employers alongside workers and, if necessary, engage in grievance processes or mediation to resolve disputes and ensure your concerns are addressed.
Participating in a strike is a collective decision made by union members. It’s not mandatory, and individuals have the right to choose whether or not to participate. Strikes are typically a last resort after exhausting other negotiation methods.
Unions understand the critical link between healthcare worker well-being and patient care. 1199J actively works to improve patient care and safety by fighting for adequate staffing, necessary resources, and safer environments for our members. This ensures healthcare workers can provide high-quality care to their patients.
Absolutely! One of the key benefits of joining 1199J is that there are procedures in place to address workplace issues and grievances, ensuring that your rights are respected and upheld.
Union dues are typically determined through a democratic process by members of the union. The specific amount varies but is usually a small percentage of your wages. These dues are vital for sustaining the union, funding its initiatives, and providing services to the members.
Absolutely! Unions are all about collective bargaining, but that doesn’t mean your individual preferences and needs are ignored. You can still voice your opinions and play a role in negotiating your own employment terms within the larger framework.
By joining 1199J, you would gain the power to negotiate collectively for better pay, improved working conditions, benefits, and job security. Unions amplify your voice and provide the opportunity to make positive changes in your workplace. Plus, being part of a union means having access to resources and support when you need it.
A union is a group of workers who organize together to improve their working conditions and protect their rights. In healthcare, unions help negotiate better wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security.
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