(CORNING, NEW YORK) – Union-represented Nursing Home Workers employed at the Corning Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new three-year contract.

The new agreement that runs through April 30th, 2028 comes after Caregivers - who are represented by 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU), were ready to hit the picket lines to fight for improved staffing levels, quality health insurance and competitive wages to help retain and recruit more Caregivers. 

“We’re hopeful that the new higher pay rates will help us bring in new employees and keep our current ones,” said Heidi Bouton, a Certified Nurse Assistant at the Corning Center. 

The new deal for Rural Caregivers includes: An average wage increase of 4.75% to over 9% the first year, which is retroactive to June 1st; An additional wage increases in the second and third year based on years of service to recognize longevity; and Up to 10 years of service, Workers will get an additional 2%, 11-to-19 years of service will get 2.5% and for 20 years or more of service, Workers will get an additional 3% wage increase. 

The Nursing Home Workers also won increases to employer provided pension contributions and increases to shift differentials to help staff evening and night shifts. 

In addition, starting rates for Certified Nurse Assistants are to increase by more than $1.50 per hour to $18 per hour to help recruit more Caregivers.

Service Workers will go from $15.50 to $16.25 per hour.

Cooks and Maintenance Workers will go from $15.50 to $17.50 per hour. 

In addition to wage increases, the Workers will also enjoy paid vacation, paid time off with buyout or carry-over and employer contributions towards health insurance.  

Caregivers also have access to the 1199 SEIU Training and Upgrading Fund.

Union Members employed at the Corning Center work as Activities Aides, Central Supply Clerks, Certified Nurse Assistants, Dietary Aides, Drivers, Housekeepers, Licensed Practical Nurses, Maintenance Techs, Rehabilitation Aides, Receptionists, Unit Assistants and Unit Clerks.

Corning Center is controlled and managed by Centers for Care LLC, doing business as Centers Health Care.

Centers Healthcare, a Bronx-based company, is one of the largest Nursing Home Operators in the States of New York and New Jersey. 

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 Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Florida, and in Washington, D.C.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: 1199SEIU Union Nursing Home Workers At Corning Center Ratify 3-Year Contract With Higher Starting Rates and Wage Increases :: 1199SEIU