(WESTERN NEW YORK) – Nearly 4,000 Nursing Home Workers - who are represented by the largest Health Care Workers Union in the U.S., 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) United Healthcare Workers East, and are employed at 27 long-term care facilities in four counties of Western New York - have begun negotiations on new contracts. 

The agreements are set to expire on April 30th (2025).

Caregivers and management bargain weekly.

The 27 nursing homes are located in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Erie, and Niagara Counties. Of those 27 Facilities in this historic contract campaign, 24 are for-profit and three are not-for profit.

The Workers are employed as Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Speech/Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Dieticians, Social Workers, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Licensed Physical Therapy Assistants, Environmental Service Workers, Maintenance Workers, Dietary and Food Service Workers, Housekeeping and Laundry Workers, Clerical Workers and Unit Clerks.

Top contract priorities for the Unionized Caregivers include a living wage, quality and affordable health benefits, and pension improvements.

Workers say any comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, training and education - and a childcare fund, will attract more Workers into their profession. 

“I felt good because these employers know that we are working together and we are serious. The unity Workers had at the table represented that we meant business,” said Samira McClure, a Certified Nurse Assistant employed at the Schofield Residence in Kenmore.

“I’m encouraged to stand with thousands of Nursing Home Workers across Western New York because there is power in numbers and we are united. Because of the numbers we have, I’m optimistic that together we will win a fair contract, said Earl Pugh, a Licensed Practical Nurse employed at the Schoellkopf Health Center in Niagara Falls.

Empowering thousands of Nursing Home Workers to negotiate a standard set of wages and benefits across the region is unprecedented, 1199 SEIU Officials said. 

“These negotiations are intentionally aligned with the New York State Budget. Our campaign will highlight the dire need for Medicaid equity to keep our nursing homes adequately staffed with experienced long-term Caregivers in our Upstate Communities,” said Grace Bogdanove, who serves as 1199 SEIU’s Vice-President for WNY Nursing Homes.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report & View The Individual List Of The 27 Long-Term Care Facilities, Go To: Contract Talks Began For Nearly 4,000 Nursing Home Workers At 27 Care Long-Term Care Facilities in 4 Counties of Upstate Western New York

1199 SEIU Provided Photo.