(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – Representatives of 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Workers East were joined by several Federal, State, County, City and Locally- Elected Officials on Monday (May 13th) after 2,500 1199 SEIU-represented Caregivers employed at 15 Upstate Western New York Nursing Homes overwhelmingly authorized a one-week Strike if management refuses to bargain a fair contract that protects quality care.

The 1199 SEIU Members are planning to Strike for seven straight days, beginning on Tuesday, May 20th at six a.m.

For months, the Unionized Nursing Home Workers - Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, Housekeeping Staff, Dietary Workers, Clerical Workers and other Nursing Home Staff, have been fighting for better staffing levels, fair and living wages, affordable health insurance, childcare benefits and pension improvements. 

After slow progress in negotiations since late February, thousands of 1199 SEIU-represented Caregivers rallied and picketed outside 22 Long-Term Care Facilities across Upstate Western New York last month.

The Nursing Home Workers also marched on the boss at multiple facilities across Western New York.

Late Friday (May 9th), 1199 SEIU issued 10-day Strike notices to the Long-Term Care Facilities: Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing; Comprehensive Rehab and Nursing Center at Williamsville; Elderwood at Lockport; Elderwood at Williamsville; Ellicott Center; Garden Gate Manor; Gowanda Nursing Home (excludes Pros/Techs); Newfane Rehabilitation & Health Center; North Gate Manor; Ascension Living Our Lady of Peace; Absolut Care of Gasport; Safire Rehabilitation of Northtowns; Schofield Residence; The Grand at Delaware Park; and the Williamsville Suburban Care Center

On Monday, 1199 SEIU held a press conference to discuss the week-long Strike actions and received support from a number of Elected Officials, including U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy, New York State Senator April Baskin, State Assemblymember Bill Conrad, Erie County Legislators Lawrence Dupre, Tim Meyers and Taisha St. Jean-Tard, Niagara Falls Councilman Brian Archie, City of Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope and Buffalo Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart.

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: Caregivers Will Discuss Looming Weeklong Strike at 15 Nursing Homes And Local leaders back nursing home workers ahead of week-long strike | News 4 Buffalo.

Press Conference Photo Courtesy Of 1199 SEIU.