(WESTERN NEW YORK) - Since December more than 580 Health Care Workers represented by 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) United Healthcare Workers East at five nursing homes operated by The Grand Healthcare System have ratified new contracts.

The new Union agreements include increased wages, shift differentials, longevity bonuses and wage steps that recognize experience, increased benefits for Per Diem Employees, COVID bonuses and the addition of a pension for some and increased pension contributions for others.  

Nursing Homes with New Agreements include: The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing in Rome; The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing in Chittenango; the Colonial Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Rome; the Rochester Community Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; and the Buffalo Community Healthcare Center.

1199 SEIU and The Grand Healthcare System share a common goal of increasing retention rates of Nursing Home Staff, Union Officials said

When turnover rates are low, more employees are being hired than leaving, operational costs go down and quality of care improves, they said.

Fair wages and benefits that appeal to Workers and reflect appreciation and value for the work they do goes a long way to retain the most qualified and experienced Staff, Union Officials added, and the continuity of care for residents has also been shown to lead to better outcomes for nursing home residents. 

The Grand Healthcare System is a network of high profile, state-of-the-art facilities designed for advanced rehabilitation and nursing that are said to be deeply ingrained in their local communities, with each facility bringing all-inclusive health care closer to home. 

Health Care Workers covered by the agreements include Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs), Physical Therapy Aides, Activity Assistants, Activity Aides, Laundry Aides, Dietary Aides, Housekeeping Aides, Physical Therapy Assistants and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants. 

“I’ve been here thirty-plus years and this is the best Union contract yet,” said Avery Lewis, a Maintenance Technician employed at the Buffalo Community Healthcare Center. 

"We got what we deserved - for us and our residents," added Monica Morrison, a CNA at the Buffalo Community Healthcare Center. 

 “Getting to an agreement felt long, tedious, tiresome and sometimes made us angry, but out of all the contracts we have had this is the best one.  I am proud of our Bargaining Unit because we stuck to our guns about what was needed to retain Staff and we got it done,” said Michelle Payne, a CNA employed at the Rochester Community Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. 

1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East - the largest and fastest-growing Health Care Union in America whose mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all, represents more than 400,000 Nurses and Caregivers throughout the States of New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland and Florida, and in Washington, D.C. and Florida.