(ROCHESTER, NEW YORK) - Two Unions representing Caregivers and Service Workers employed at University of Rochester Medical Center’s (URMC) Strong Memorial Hospital and River Campus have issued a 10-day notice for a Strike that is now scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 13th - from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

In a near unanimous vote, 99% of voting Union Members voted in favor of striking.  

Following multiple extensions, the contract covering URMC Patient Caregivers and Service Workers expired on October 31st. 

The Workers are represented by 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) United Healthcare Workers East and 200 United SEIU.

A Strike this holiday season is anticipated will cost URMC, the largest Private Sector employer in Upstate, “a great deal of money,” Union Representatives predicted.

The Workers have already held a massive informational picket and rally, which took place on November 13th.

The Strike Authorization Vote was taken on November 21st. 

To date, the two SEIU Unions have been negotiating on behalf of the combined 1,800 Workers since late August (2022).

The Caregivers and Service Workers are fighting for a fair contract that includes fair living wage increases - uplifting some out of poverty, and a quality comprehensive benefits package to help recruit and retain more workers to help with staffing issues, Union Officials said.  

The SEIU Unions have also filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), claiming URMC violated Federal Labor Laws when they failed to bargain in good faith. 

“This employer failed its Workers and our community by not returning with a counter proposal,” 1199 SEIU Vice President Harrison said.  “Their failure to bargain in good faith has forced us to issue the ten-day notice.  Beyond the money, it’s a matter of respect for the Workers who provide health care and student services to this community.”

Dana Allison, a Patient Care Technician employed at URMC’s Strong Memorial Hospital, said: “It feels like they want us to work more for less money.  My job requires patience and understanding to provide care for the patients as they recover from surgery.  Many people come in and they are nervous about their procedure and I reassure them and their family, but sometimes if we are short that special attention can’t be given because we have so many other tasks to complete to keep surgeries flowing for the day.”

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Healthcare & Service Workers At URMC To Strike Dec 13 Over Living Wages & Quality Benefits (1199seiu.org)