(LEWISTON, NEW YORK) – Nursing Home Workers represented by 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Workers East who are employed at Lewiston’s Ascension Living/Our Lady of Peace have reached a tentative three-year contract with their St. Louis-based employer, whose representatives traveled from Missouri to bargain the agreement, Union Officials said. 

A ratification vote is set for later this week, 1199 SEIU Officials said. 

“It’s been way too long without any increases. We needed it, we deserved it and we got it,” said Brendella Pryor, a Certified Nurse Assistant who worked at the Niagara County Nursing Home for 35 years.  

The second Niagara County settlement comes as Caregivers at 14 more facilities are still left to Strike - beginning Tuesday (May 20th) at six a.m. over contract talks and staffing levels. 

Last week, 1199 SEIU issued 10-day notices to hold a week-long Strike on behalf of the Workers employed at 15 Long-Term Care Facilities across Western New York. 

The Caregivers have been bargaining since late February in an effort to reach agreements at 27 homes in total. 

Thousands of Nursing Home Workers at now 14 facilities are anticipated to participate in a seven-day walkout for better staffing levels, quality/affordable health insurance benefits, fair and living wages, and pension improvements.

Union Workers also want this comprehensive benefits package to include training and education and a childcare fund that they believe will help boost staffing levels at the Care Facilities. 

The 1199 SEIU Caregivers will walk picket lines daily from six a.m. until six p.m. in front of the following facilities: Absolut Care of Gasport; the Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing; the Comprehensive Rehab and Nursing Center at Williamsville; Elderwood at Lockport; Elderwood at Williamsville; the Ellicott Center; the Garden Gate Manor; the Gowanda Nursing Home (excludes Pros/Techs); the Newfane Rehabilitation & Health Center; North Gate Manor; Safire Rehabilitation of Northtowns; the Schofield Residence; The Grand at Delaware Park; and the Williamsville Suburban Care Center.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: 1199SEIU Members at Ascension Living Our Lady of Peace Reach 3-Year Tentative Agreement