(DUNKIRK) - Frustrated Over Little Progress Being Made in Negotiating a New Contract, 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU)-Represented Workers at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk Have Delivered a 10-Day Notice of Picket to Hospital Management, Union Officials Announced Today (August 1st). 

Contract Talks Began in Early March, But Have Made “Little Progress,” Even With the Help of a Federal Mediator, 1199 SEIU Representatives said.  As a Result, the Southern Tier Hospital’s Union-Represented Workforce Plans to Picket Outside the Central Avenue Medical Center on Thursday, August 7th From 2 p.m. to  5 p.m. to Protest the Lack of a New Labor Contract. 

The Union’s Bargaining Committee, Which Consists of Brooks Memorial Hospital Workers, says the Hospital – Which is Now Affiliated With the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, is “Intentionally Stalling Negotiations” by Putting Forth Contract Proposals That “They Know are Unacceptable” to the Workers.

“We Aren’t Asking for Much - Just a Fair Wage for An Honest Day’s Work and the Hope That the Hospital ‘Does the Right Thing’ for Our Community,” Rosie Calph, a Medical Records Clerk Whose Been Employed at Brooks Memorial Hospital for More Than 26 Years, said. 

1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the Largest and Fastest-Growing Health Care Union in the Nation.  Its Mission is to Achieve Quality Care and Good Jobs for All.  1199 SEIU Represents More Than 14,500 Health Care Workers Throughout Western New York, and Over 400,000 Members Across the States of New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida and in Washington, D.C.