Standing with Healthcare Workers at Central Park Rehab
October 24th 2025
On Friday October 24th 2025, I joined members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East at their informational rally outside Central Park Rehab on Martin Luther King East in Syracuse. The workers there are fighting for what every caregiver deserves: fair wages, safe staffing, and respect for the work they do every day.
The Message from the Rally
In my remarks, I told the crowd that I was there not only as a county legislator but as someone who believes that when you care for people, you deserve to be cared for too.
Workers like Larry, who spoke earlier at the rally, and Ann, who shared her story, represent what makes our healthcare system work. The staff at Central Park Rehab do some of the hardest and most essential work in our community. They deserve wages that reflect their value, staffing levels that protect their safety, and respect that matches their dedication.
The Reality of CPR Management’s Proposal
Right now, CPR management is offering a 1% raise and concessions on benefits. That proposal does not move us forward. It moves us backward. A 1% raise does not even keep up with the cost of rent in most places, let alone groceries, childcare, or other basic needs.
If we continue to undervalue the people who make our healthcare system function, we will lose the workers who care for our loved ones. We cannot build strong healthcare systems by underpaying the people who make them work.
-pictured, Hatisha, a leader with 1199 speaking at Friday’s Informational
What the Workers Are Demanding
The workers are fighting for:
Fair and competitive pay that matches their dedication and experience
Safe staffing levels to protect both workers and residents
Protection of benefits that they have already fought to win
Access to childcare support, which allows working parents to stay in this field long-term
These are reasonable, necessary investments in a workforce that our entire community depends on.
Why It Matters
When workers win, the residents win. And when residents win, our entire community gets stronger.
These caregivers are not just employees. They are the backbone of compassionate care in Central New York. I stand with them in their fight for fairness, dignity, and the respect they have earned.
-Mo pictured with County Leg Candidates, Nicole Watts, Ellen Block and Elaine Denton
-Mo pictured with Syracuse City Auditor, Alex Marion
Also I want to thank members of the local political community for showing up for our healthcare workers. Representatives from Congressman John Mannion’s as well as Assemblywoman Pam Hunter’s office read remarks. New York State Senator Rachel May, City Auditor Alex Marion and Common Councilor Patrona Jones-Rowser spoke to the seemingly ongoing fight that persists between employers and fair wages. Common Councilors Chol Majok and Marty Nave were also in attendance as well as Candidates for Onondaga County Legislature, Nicole Watts, Ellen Block, and Elaine Denton.
The presence of so many local leaders underscores the power of solidarity. I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to show up for our healthcare workers. When we stand together for those who care for others, our entire community grows stronger.