(NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK) - Care Managers employed at the Health Home Unit of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center have ratified their first Union contract, 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Workers East Representatives announced.

The new contract, which expires on May 31st, 2022, covers 39 Health Care Workers in six different job titles.  The Workers, who unanimously voted to ratify the agreement, will come into the coordinated agreement that already exists at the Medical Center’s Health Home Unit with Service and Maintenance, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Technical, Professional and Professional Registered Nurses (RNs), Union Officials said.

The contract provides for a new wage scale and a 2% increase effective January 1st, 2022, pension benefits and access to the 1199SEIU Training & Upgrading Fund, Union Reps said.

“We are happy to achieve this resolution with our Union partners and focus our efforts on connecting our clients in the community to the highest quality of care,” Vicki Wideman, Interim Director of Health Home, said.

The Niagara County Workers voiced excitement about their first Union contract.

"After co-existing with the hospital for so many years, it's such a good feeling to know that we all came together and solidified our jobs,” Health Home Clinical Associate Samantha Sawyer said.

Health Home is designed to connect qualified individuals with health care providers, mental health and substance abuse providers, housing and other social services by appointing a Case Manager to assist with implementing and maintaining a care plan.

1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East - whose mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all, is the largest and fastest-growing Health Care Union in America.

It represents more than 400,000 Nurses and Caregivers throughout the States of Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York, and in Washington, D.C.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: www.1199seiu.org/media-center/care-managers-nfmmc-health-home-approve-first-union-contract