(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – Union-represented Health Care Workers who are employed at Western New York’s largest employer, Kaleida Health, began negotiations today (Tuesday, March 4th) on a new contract. 

The current deal that covers nearly 8,000 Workers - who are represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1168 and 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) United Healthcare Workers East, expires on May 31st (2025). 

Both Unions will bargain with management on Tuesdays and Fridays through the month of March. A Federal Mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) will be present during contact talks, Union Representatives said.

The current agreement covers an array of Health Care Workers who are employed at the Buffalo General Medical Center, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, HighPointe on Michigan, DeGraff Medical Park and various community-based clinics across Western New York.

Union Members work as Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Professionals, Technical Employees, Clinicians, Business Office Clerical, in Service and Maintenance at three major hospitals, at two nursing homes and a variety of clinics across Erie and Niagara Counties. 

The Unions’ Bargaining Committee Members have been caucusing for months to create a comprehensive set of bargaining proposals that will address critical issues facing Workers, including key non-economic issues, such as improving staffing levels, increased safety protections and job security, as well as dignity and respect.

As violence against Health Care Workers rises across the U.S., more and more Front Line Caregivers are being threatened, attacked and even injured on the job while trying to provide care to their patients. As such, the Workers are asking for real protections and enforceable policies to keep them safe on the job. 

Workers also believe Kaleida Health must offer a comprehensive wage and benefit package to recruit and retain experienced Workers to provide care for patients - and any economic benefit package must also include improvements in pension, Union Officials said. 

In addition, Kaleida’s Health Care Workers are unwilling to accept any concessionary proposals from management.

CWA Local 1168 President Cori Gambini said: “As we enter crucial contract negotiations for our dedicated Health Care Workers, we will advocate for fair wages, benefits and working conditions. Our Bargaining Committee embodies the spirit of solidarity and empowerment. Together, we stand united in our mission to secure a Collective Bargaining Agreement that will provide quality care for our patients and secure the future of our Members.”

Jim Scordato, 1199 SEIU Vice-President for WNY Hospitals, said: “Today is the start of our process to secure a new contract with the Kaleida Health System. Our Committee has spent several months putting proposals together that will benefit our Members, take care of our patients and secure health care in the Western New York area. We will work over the next few months with our Labor partners, hospital partners and public officials to secure and maintain the best Health Care Worker contract in Western New York. We hope with a lot of hard work we can secure a new (contract) before the current contract expires May (31st).” 

CWA District 1 Area Director Deb Hayes said: "The Members of 1199 SEIU and CWA have directed us very clearly in terms of what their priorities are for this set of negotiations. The Union Bargaining Committee is ready, willing and able to roll up our sleeves and get to work on achieving these goals.”