(CORNING, NEW YORK) – 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Caregivers employed at Guthrie Corning Hospital in Steuben County have ratified a new three-year contract, which covers more than 450 Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Service and Maintenance Workers, Clerical Workers and Technicians.

The new agreement comes as Workers celebrate their 30th year since first forming their Union. 

According to Becker’s Hospital Review, highlights of the deal, per 1199 SEIU, included: An 8.5% general wage increase over the life of the contract (2.75% in the first two years and 3% in the third year); Additional wage increases for Union Members working in 14 different job classifications; A minimum wage of $17 per hour, an additional wage increase of 3.25%, for 70 Service Workers; Increases in employer-provided pension contributions; Language establishing Workers who meet certain criteria may retire before age 65 with their full pension benefits; Increases to charge pay and night shift differentials, along with improvements to float pay and additional pay for certifications; and Preservation of health insurance benefits with minimal changes.

Contract talks between1199 SEIU and Guthrie Corning Hospital began mid-March. 

The Unionized Health Care Workers, who’d overwhelmingly voted to authorize an informational picket, were fighting for improved staffing levels, quality/affordable health insurance coverage and benefits, as well as competitive wages to help retain and recruit more Workers.     

A Federal Mediator from Federal Mediation and Reconciliation Services had joined contract talks in an effort to help both sides reach an agreement.  

1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East - 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 Florida, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and in Washington, D.C.

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: 1199SEIU and Guthrie Corning Hospital Reach 3-Year Tentative Agreement Averting Informational Picket And New York hospital workers approve labor deal covering 450+ employees - Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & Analysis

Photo Of 1199 SEIU-Represented Guthrie Corning Hospital Members Courtesy Of The Union.