(WESTERN NEW YORK) – As Strike Authorization votes conclude this week at more than 20 long-term care facilities across Western New York, 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge against the owner and operator of Absolut Care of Aurora Park and Absolut Care of Allegany - alleging they are bargaining in bad faith.

The charge was submitted last week on behalf of one Bargaining Unit at each site that covers about 20 Professional and Technical Nursing Home Workers, who are also represented by 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest Health Care Workers Union in the country. 

The owner and operator of the two rural Absolut Care facilities is RCA Healthcare Management.

The management company is run by Long Island native, Edward Farbenblum.  

According to the most recently-available 2022 New York State Cost Reports, RCA Healthcare indicated that 95% of its transactions or $6.5 million dollars were conducted with related party companies in which they have an ownership interest.

Meanwhile, Farbenblum's related organizations, including RCA Healthcare, reported a total of $13.8 million in net profits in 2022.

These transactions provide for-profit nursing homeowners a way to pay themselves back for services provided at the nursing homes, such as laundry, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and staffing to keep business within the family. 

“We are tired of delays and frequent let downs. We are a skilled team of professionals and contribute so much to the company. We play an important role in the overall health and well-being of our residents. We want a contract that reflects the value we bring every day,” said Joshua Previte, an Occupational Therapist employed at Absolut Care of Aurora Park.

“I’ve worked at the facility almost (15) years and we love our residents. We are dedicated professionals and we just want that to be recognized with fair and competitive wages,” said Jessica Kramer, the Director of Social Services at Absolut Care of Allegany. 

Grace Bogdanove, 1199SEIU Vice-President for WNY Nursing Homes, said: “It’s disheartening Farbenblum’s representatives at the bargaining table - CEO Susan Grigg, Registered Nurse and Chief Human Resources Officer Colleen O’Connell-Jancevski, are unwilling to negotiate a fair contract that provides decent benefits and competitive wages for the people who live and work in this community. After two partial days of bargaining, this employer presented a best and final offer with no discussion - trying to force concessions upon Workers without their agreement. In addition to the newly filed Board charge based on their bargaining tactics, the employer is threatening to stop health insurance coverage for Employees who opt to Strike and attempting to intimidate Workers by monitoring those who attend the Strike votes and other Union meetings.” 

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: 1199SEIU Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Alleging RCA Healthcare Management at Absolut Care Allegany and Absolut Care Aurora Park Is Bargaining in Bad Faith