(DUNKIRK, NEW YORK) - About 150 Workers represented by 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) United Healthcare Workers East who are employed at Brooks Memorial Hospital/TLC Health Systems in Dunkirk have overwhelmingly approved a one-year contract that includes a wage re-opener and an increase in pension contributions. 

Highlights of the agreement - which runs through April 2023, also includes step-increases for years of service that will help to retain long-term Employees, a 10% general wage increase for all job titles, and a one-time Appreciation Bonus - ranging from $250 for Per Diem Employees to $750 for Full-Time Employees, 1199 SEIU Officials said.

Both 1199 SEIU and management wanted to address short staffing issues at the rural hospital in Dunkirk and at the Gowanda Urgent Care Center during the contract negotiations. 

In order to decrease mandating job titles other than Registered Nurses (RNs - who are protected by the Mandation Law), both sides agreed to have additional discussions regarding providing incentives for Union Members to work extra shifts, the Union said. 

"We worked hard to get this agreement done,” Personal Care Assistant Jeffrey St. George said. “We’re a little closer to where we need to be in these tough times.  We will continue to work hard in our future.”

Kathyrn Manning, an RN employed at the Gowanda Urgent Care Center, said: "We worked hard to get the best raises possible.  With all of the problems with people leaving and being short staffed, all the loyal employees that have stayed are very happy with the results of the bargaining and our new contract.  We are now more competitive and will be able to entice new Employees to fill shortages.”

1199 SEIU Members at the Brooks/TLC Health System are employed as Environmental Services Aides, Food Service Attendants, Nursing Unit Clerks, Central Supply Technicians, Health Information Associates, Lab Assistants, Phlebotomist Assistants, Materials Management Associates, Patient Access Customer Service Technicians, Patient Access Representatives, Patient Care Associates, Patient Financial Services Clerks, Sr. Radiology Clerks, Receptionists, Certified Central Supply Technicians, Cooks, Health Information, Medical Office Assistants, OB Technicians, Patient Financial Liaisons, Rehabilitation Support Assistants, Medical Office Assistants, Certified Medical Office Assistants, Surgical Services Secretary/Schedulers, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNS), Maintenance Mechanics, Surgical Technologists, Medical Lab Technicians, Radiologic Technologists, CT Technologists, Mammography Technologists, Ultrasound Technologists, MRI Technicians, and RNs.

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 and 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.