Member Spotlight: Rosie Cantave
Courtyard Nursing Home, CNA, 13 years
Q: What are the qualities of a good leader?
A: A good leader is someone who is always there to help his coworkers. A good leader always tells the group what to do and how to do it.
Q: How are you a leader in your shop?
A: Everything my coworkers are doing, they always ask me for my input in it. If I tell them that there is something they should do, they do it. I’m always there for them.
Q: What’s it like to work on the labor-management committee?
A: We always bring up what is new in the facility and we try to find solutions with management. We’re trying to get things resolved in a good way. We try to get things done through a consensus.
Q: Why do you feel it’s important to be politically active?
A: Politics play a big role in every single thing. In a way, to get things to resolved, we need our politicians to help us. In order for things to get done, you have to be informed. You have to talk to the elected officials. You have to be willing to tell them what you’re looking for.
Q: If there was something you could say to 1199SEIU members in other Genesis nursing homes, what would it be?
A: To always be together. When we are together, we can resolve anything. Always use your words to resolve things. We have to always be there for each other.
Q: What is your favorite part of working for Courtyard?
A: My favorite part is helping my coworkers. I’m always helping them in a lot of ways. Sometimes when I’m there, when I see something that is going to hurt my coworkers, I try to resolve it. I’m always there for them.
I like working with the residents. Once you do something good for them, they always remember you. They’re my friends, they’re my family.
Q: How has the union helped you?
A: Having a union is different because you have a voice. Before we had the union, we couldn’t talk, we couldn’t do anything. With the union, you can say what you want. With the union, you have your job security. It’s better to have a union in your workplace so you can get some respect.