(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – Union-represented Workers employed at two Western New York Nursing Homes have voted to ratify a new one-year contract, averting a planned 24-hour Strike at two care facilities in Amherst and Tonawanda.

Downstate for-profit and out-of-town Nursing Home Owner, Solomon Abramczyk had initially failed to sign the agreement over paying better wages to recruit and retain experienced Caregivers. 

1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents the Workers, had filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) - alleging Abramczyk was bargaining in bad faith when he reneged on the deal.

Since signing the agreement, the Union has withdrawn the ULP charge. 

Following a brief conversation with Union Negotiators and the Worker-led Bargaining Committee, Abramczyk signed the agreement.  

“As we approached Labor Day, this is a perfect example of Workers uniting and raising their voices to make a difference in their workplace,” 1199 SEIU Organizer Emmanuel White said. “A united workforce sends a powerful message to any employer and these residents will benefit from experienced and consistent Staff providing care for them.”

The newly-ratified contract covering about 170 Workers at the homes in Tonawanda and Amherst includes increased starting rates for all job titles, increases to the 10-step wage scale and experience-based pay for all current and newly hired Workers. 

Wage increases vary between 3% and 32%, with an average wage increase of 7%.  

In addition, Workers with less than 10 years of experience will get an extra 3%, whereas Workers with more than 10 years will get a minimum of 4.25%.  

The contract also provides for a one-time ratification bonus of $250 for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), $150 for all other titles and a longevity bonus for dedicated long-time Caregivers. 

Workers also won Martin Luther King Day as a paid holiday.  

The contract also specifies how overtime and additional shifts will be allocated at each facility. 

About 70 Nursing Home Workers are employed at Safire Rehabilitations of Northtowns in Tonawanda work as Certified Nurse Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses and Unit Clerks.  

More than 100 Workers are employed at Williamsville Suburban Care Center work as Activities Aides, Certified Nurse Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, Physical Therapy Aides, Unit Secretaries and Maintenance Assistants. 

The one-year deal runs through April 30th, 2025.

For More On This Labor News Report, Go To: Amherst & Tonawanda Nursing Home Workers Vote To Ratify 1-Year Deal (1199seiu.org)