Crawford workers in Fall River begin strike claiming unfair treatment

Caregivers launched a three-day strike at Crawford Skilled Nursing and Rehab after management has broken several labor laws during contract negotiations according to the group.

Anna Almeida, a C.N.A. for 33 years and Fall River resident said, “We are going on an Unfair Labor Practice Strike because management should be bargaining in good faith instead of breaking labor laws. It’s time to treat caregivers at Crawford with dignity and respect and pay fair wages so residents get the safe staffing and consistent quality care they deserve.”

The group states many workers at Crawford are currently earning around $12 per hour. According to the group, low wages are causing high staff turnover and inconsistent care for residents, as wages increase in other jobs in the area. They noted Amazon, which operates a large warehouse in Fall River, announced this year it will be paying a minimum wage of $15 per hour. Personal Care Attendants who care for the elderly in the Massachusetts PCA program moved to $15 per hour minimum starting rate in July, and the minimum wage is going up to $12 per hour on January 1, 2019.

Crawford is part of Northern Senior Living, a chain of nursing homes. Crawford was recently cited by the MA Department of Health for failing to staff properly as well as other violations according to the group.

The group states several labor law violations were committed by Crawford during contract negotiations including unilateral changes to the collective bargaining agreement and unlawful retaliation against union delegates for union activity.

Attempts to get a statement from Crawford were unsuccessful.

The strike will end Monday morning.