Health care workers in the Bronx joined members of the 1199 SEIU United Health Care Workers Union for a visibility day, demanding they receive better pay and working conditions at Fresenius Medical Care.  

Dozens of union representatives, city officials and health care workers gathered in Morris Park to support each other as they wait for better contracts.  

“They’ve been through it all, let’s give them the proper respect and dignity,” said Rep. Marjorie Velazquez. “That’s what we’re fighting for today, and we’re here to amplify them and their message and to say a fair contract is deserved.” 

Some health care workers said they have been out of their contract since July 2022.  

“We worked hard, risk our lives, lost family members, tons of patients, and all we want is a fair contract,” said Tiffany Shantilow, a patient care technician a Fresenius Medical Care. “Us standing strong together as a team, as union strong, it’s going to show this company that we mean business and we need the union to help push what we're saying. We need to be heard." 

Some workers say Fresenius Medical Care is short-staffed, and workers often deal with four to seven patients a day. They say as the cost of living continues to increase, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for them to survive.  

Fresenius Medical Care provided a statement saying the following:  

"We value our employees and we’re committed to bargaining in good faith with the union to reach a new contract as soon as possible." 

Some workers say they’re holding out hope as contract negotiations continue this Friday.