(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – Health Care Workers represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1168 and 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Workers East who are employed at Western New York’s largest employer - Kaleida Health, have agreed to a second contract extension through June 24th. 

The second extension of the current three-year agreement comes as contract talks become contentious, Union Representatives said, primarily over staffing issues. 

The largest Hospital System in Western New York is demanding changes that could drastically impact staffing levels at area hospitals, they added. 

The current agreement covers nearly 8,000 Workers at Buffalo General Medical Center, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, HighPointe on Michigan, DeGraff Medical Park, and various community-based clinics across Western New York.

The Union Members work as Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Professionals, Technical Employees, Clinicians, Business Office Clerical and Service and Maintenance at three major hospitals, two nursing homes and a variety of clinics across Erie and Niagara Counties. 

Caregivers are fighting to improve staffing and to protect patient care, but the Workers say management wants to restrict a Staffing Incentive Program, a bonus meant to ensure adequate staffing levels where vacancies occur, eliminate partial shift bonuses, and is refusing an incentive bonus to help staff non-clinical areas.

Health Care Workers are demanding improved staffing levels, increased safety protections, job security, as well as dignity and respect.

Workers also believe that Kaleida Health must offer a comprehensive wage and benefit package to recruit and retain experienced workers to provide care for patients as well as improvements in pension. In addition, healthcare workers are unwilling to accept concessionary proposals from management.

A Federal Mediator from Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) was present during contract talks until cuts were initiated by the Federal Government cuts. 

CWA and 1199 SEIU hired a Mediator familiar with both parties, who joins the talks daily.  

Bargaining continues Monday through Friday beginning at 9 a.m. each day.