(MEDINA, NEW YORK) - More than 200 Hospital and Clinic Workers represented by 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Workers East - who are employed at three Orleans Community Health sites in Medina, Albion and Batavia, have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new three-year contract, the Union announced.

The contract - which runs through December 31st, 2026, covers Hospital and Clinic Workers at Orleans Community Health’s Medina Memorial Hospital, Lake Plains Batavia Dialysis Clinic and Albion Healthcare Center.

1199 SEIU represents Professional, Technical and Service jobs at all three sites, including: Registered Nurses; Dietetic Technicians; Occupational Therapy Assistants; Physical Therapy Assistants; Radiology Technologists; Nuclear Medicine Technologists; Respiratory Therapists; MRI Techs; Surgical Techs; Certified Nurse Assistants; Unit Secretaries; Ambulatory Unit Aides; Activities Aides; Pharmacy Technicians; Aide Porters; Cooks; Cafeteria Aides; Maintenance Workers; Environmental Service Workers; Couriers; Patient Care Technicians; Processor Phlebotomist; and Clinical Technicians.

Wages were a key sticking point in contract talks that ultimately forced Workers to vote in favor of holding an informational picket, which is now cancelled, the Union said.

“We fought hard for this contract and it’s great,” said Kagney Bieniek, a Radiology Technologist.  “With the wages we won during negotiations, this is the best contract we’ve seen in years.  I hope that it will help us to retain more Workers and to get new hires.  I love having a hospital like this to serve our community and it’s great that we were able to settle.”

The new deal provides for a $17-per-hour minimum starting rate for new hires. 

Health Care Workers won general wage increases from 3% - 20% in the first year, and an additional 3% in the second year and 5% in the third.

In addition to general wage increases, some positions will see an increase in base rate of pay to help retain and recruit more Workers into those positions. 

Health Care Workers will also get an increase in preceptor pay. 

Workers also won increases in shift and weekend differentials, one additional day out of town bereavement, and MLK and Juneteenth as paid holidays starting in 2025.

Union Members will also maintain their access to 1199 SEIU Training & Upgrading Benefit Fund.

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