Workers from Recovery Options Made Easy (ROME) in Buffalo, N.Y., joined UFCW Local One on Sept. 4. ROME is a peer-certified mental health advocacy and support organization and the workers are employed as peer specialists and nurses.

These dedicated professionals made the decision to join our union to improve workplace safety protocols, ensure fair disciplinary procedures, and establish a collective voice on the job. The organizing campaign included in-person meetings that focused on the tangible benefits of union membership and solidarity.
“I wanted to become a part of the union to help give my colleagues a voice within the company,” said Treasure, who is a ROME employee and one of the organizing committee leaders. “We didn’t have a way to collectively address our concerns, and I wanted to help build a system of support and advocacy for all of us.”