(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) - Nearly 8,000 Hospital Workers - represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1168 and 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Workers East, at Kaleida Health have ratified a new three-year contract with the largest private employer in Western New York. 

Voting over the past three days at multiple sites across Western New York, 1199 SEIU Members voted 94% in favor while CWA Members voted 79.5% in favor to ratify the contract that runs through May 31st, 2028. 

CWA Local 1168 President Cori Gambini said: “This contract provides an excellent wage and benefit package and improvements in staffing. We have language in the contract that will help us to enforce the agreed upon staffing ratios in the contract. With the combination of the contract and the New York State Staffing Law, we can positively impact working conditions for our Members and provide safe, quality care to our community. We believe this agreement will keep Kaleida Health as the premier employer and best place to receive care in the Western New York community.”

Cheryl Marino, 1199 SEIU Administrative Organizer and Lead Negotiator, said: “We are thrilled for our Union Members because the Bargaining Committee was able to settle a three-year contract with no concessions. This victory includes competitive wages and benefits that further secure our Health Care Workforce in Western New York. The additional improvements in staffing and employer accountability continue to enforce that Kaleida will be the best place to work in Western New York. We are proud of the work we accomplished since (March 4th) and we will continue to provide the best care to our community.”

The Unionized Hospital Workers fought to win a comprehensive wage and benefit package to help recruit and retain more Workers to improve staffing levels, all without concessions. 

The agreement includes a 3% wage increase in the first year, a 3% wage increase in the second year, and a 4% wage increase in the last year of the agreement, totaling 10% over the life of the contract.

In addition, the employer recognized longevity and dedication by adding an additional wage step at the 25th year of service that includes an added 3% wage increase.

Staffing levels were key during contract talks.

Hospital workers previously filed thousands of staffing complaints to the New York State Department of Health and continue to file complaints when agreed upon staffing plans are not adhered to.

Workers want to enforce safe staffing levels to ensure the best possible care for patients. 

The new contract also includes provisions for an expedited arbitration process if recurring issues are identified in staffing complaints. 

This new enforcement language can include financial penalties issued by an arbitrator. 

The contract covers nearly 8,000 Health Care Workers employed 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. 

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.  

For More On This Labor News Report, Go To: 1199SEIU and CWA Hospital Workers Vote To Ratify 3-Year Contract With Kaleida Health That Includes Enforcement of Staffing Ratios, Competitive Benefits, and Wages To Help Recruitment & Retention :: 1199SEIU