(DUNKIRK, NEW YORK) - More than 150 Hospital Workers who are represented by 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) United Healthcare Workers East at Brooks-TLC Hospital System in the Southern Tier are celebrating a new three-year contract.

Union Health Care Workers covered by the agreement at Brooks TLC Hospital System in Dunkirk work as Service & Maintenance and Technical Workers, as well as Registered Nurses at Gowanda Urgent Care Center.

The new deal - which runs through April 30th, 2026 includes up to 18% in wage increases. 

Dietary, Environmental Service Workers and several other job titles will get an 8% wage increase in the first year.

All other titles will get 5% in the first year, 5% in the second year and another 5% in the third year of the agreement. 

In recognition of years of service and dedication, employees with 25 years of service at the rural facility will see an additional 3% wage increase.

Multiple job titles within the S-grades will now have an additional wage step, as well as the general wage increase.

Job grades S2-S5 will receive an additional 8% increase which includes Registered Nurses at the Gowanda Urgent Care Center.

“It was a fair and mutual agreement between management and the Union Members.  With this new contract, our wages and benefits are now more competitive with area hospitals,” Jill Feinen, a Mammography Technologist, said.  

Designated Caregivers who provide training will get an additional $1.50 per hour in preceptor pay. 

The employer, under the mandation language will provide double time to Workers who pick up and fill known vacancies and call-offs to ensure adequate staffing levels at the rural facility.

In addition, Caregivers will get shift differential for evenings and nights. 

Union Members also won employer-provided pension increases in each year of the agreement. 

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