(NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK) – 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU)-represented Nursing Home Workers employed at the Schoellkopf Health Center in Niagara Falls have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract today in a near unanimous vote, averting a planned informational picket. 

Both Union Members and management came to a tentative agreement late Tuesday (April 29th) and Workers voted on it Wednesday (April 30th). 

The contract establishes a new standard in the WNY Nursing Home Industry, Union Representatives said.. 

Licensed Practical Nurse Tina Black said: “This agreement represents a shared commitment to fair treatment, mutual respect and the pursuit of equitable working conditions, built on mutual respect, open dialogue and shared goal of long-term success for both parties involved. This new contract is a meaningful step forward. It reflects not only fairness and respect for the important work we do but also sets a standard that will help attract new talent who recognize the value placed on Staff here. As a Nurse, I already feel a noticeable boost in morale. It’s deeply encouraging to know that our hard work is being acknowledged and rewarded.”

The contract at the Schoellkopf Health Center includes some of the best benefits to help recruit and retain Nursing Home Workers in the region, 1199 SEIU Officials said. 

The agreement includes newly-negotiated weekend differential, increased shift differential and preceptor pay, they said.

Schoellkopf will offer Service Workers $16.75-to-$22.54 per hour, Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs), $20-to-$26.91 per hour and LPNs $30-to-$40.36 per hour - based on experience.  

In addition, Nursing Home Workers won a general wage increase of 4.5%-to-5.5% in years two and three, resulting in an average wage increase of up to 28% over three years. 

In addition, Schoellkopf agreed to increased pension contributions and employer contributions towards dental and optical insurance coverage for the Union Caregivers.

The Workers will also be able to take advantage of a newly-added 1199SEIU Childcare Benefit Fund - a Union benefit to support Members and their families by providing quality benefits, as well as academic and personal development programs for children and youth up to age 17. 

The benefit is the first of its kind offered outside of Rochester and New York City. 

“It was a pleasure working with the management team at Schoellkopf to settle a contract that will change the lives of our Members and continue to protect quality care. This team recognizes the Staff for their dedication and commitment to the residents they provide care for,” 1199SEIU Administrative Organizer Shameka Burnette-Mathews said. 

1199 SEIU - the largest and fastest-growing Health Care Union in America whose mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all, represents more than 400,000 Nurses and Caregivers throughout the States of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Florida, and in Washington, D.C.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Schoellkopf Health Center Nursing Home Workers Overwhelmingly Vote To Ratify 3-Year Labor Contract with Nearly 28% Wage Increases, Pension Improvements, and Newly Added Childcare Benefits