Fenway Health Unionizes to Improve Work Conditions and LGBTQ+ Advocacy
In a significant development, Fenway Health, located on Boylston Street, has successfully unionized to achieve fairer working conditions and push back against attacks on LGBTQ+ patients. The vote is seen as an opportunity to advocate for improved work conditions and stand against prejudice faced by LGBTQ+ communities. Fenway Health, a prominent healthcare center, is the leading provider of transgender health services and non-hospital HIV services in New England.
Michele Hatchell, a curriculum development and education design specialist at Fenway Health, expressed her gratitude for the workers’ advocacy, highlighting the importance of everyone having a voice to continue the commitment to LGBTQIA+ community health and well-being.
The decision to unionize comes after Fenway Health faced its share of challenges and controversies. In 2017, its former CEO resigned amid reports of permitting a doctor accused of harassment and bullying to continue working at the center. Additionally, the health center faced accusations of being unwelcoming to Black and brown LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite these setbacks, Fenway Health has demonstrated its significance in providing vital healthcare services, particularly for gender-affirming care, amidst growing conservative scrutiny.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic posed financial strain on Fenway Health, as the decline in clinical care and revenue volume significantly impacted its finances. In 2021, the nonprofit reported a decrease in revenue from $118 million to $102 million, according to ProPublica’s nonprofit explorer.
The unionization vote is regarded as a crucial step forward in upholding the center’s standard of care and supporting the dedicated employees at Fenway Health. Tim Foley, the executive vice president of 1199SEIU, which represents healthcare workers in Massachusetts, emphasized that Fenway Health caregivers will now have a seat at the table to improve their workplace conditions and continue providing essential services, especially in states where gender-affirming care has been restricted.
This development signifies Fenway Health’s commitment to addressing its internal shortcomings, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care. With over 33,000 patients, including more than 1,000 individuals from out of state, Fenway Health plays a vital role in supporting LGBTQ+ communities by offering specialized healthcare services.
The unionization effort at Fenway Health marks a significant milestone in the journey toward fairer work conditions and continued LGBTQ+ advocacy. It is expected to strengthen the healthcare center’s resolve to provide comprehensive, inclusive, and compassionate care to LGBTQ+ individuals in New England and beyond.
