(ROCHESTER, NEW YORK) - Two Unions that combine to represent 2,000 Workers at Strong Memorial Hospital and at the University Of Rochester’s River Campus held a Contract Campaign Kickoff Event over the weekend to push for benefit improvements during continuing negotiations on a new contract.

The Unions - 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and SEIU Local 200 United have been in negotiation with the University of Rochester for nearly a month now. They are meeting two days per week as the contract is set to expire on Saturday (September 5th).

Bedside Hospital Patient Caregivers and Service Workers employed at Strong Memorial Hospital are represented by 1199 SEIU and Service Workers at the University of Rochester are represented by SEIU Local 200United.

As the affordability crisis and staffing challenges across the University of Rochester System grow, more and more Workers are experiencing devastating consequences over the lack of quality benefits and stagnant wages to care for their families, Union Officials said. 

Both Unions are working together to negotiate one agreement that will prioritize affordable health insurance and wage improvements to help retain and recruit more Workers to provide bedside care and services throughout the University’s System, SEIU said. 

Retirement benefits and paid time off will also be key in any new contract, they added.

All this comes as University of Rochester Grad Workers continue their fight for Union Recognition and Rights.

Over the weekend, Hospital And Campus Workers from both Unions gathered to get an update.

Union Members were also afforded the opportunity to register early for the 1199 SEIU Childcare Fund Benefit, meet local Child Care Providers to learn more about programs and services for their children ages birth through college.

There are currently two dates scheduled for negotiations between the two sides before the current agreement expires on Saturday.

A Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) Mediator is present during negotiating sessions.

Caregivers represented by 1199 SEIU at Strong Memorial Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester include: Patient Care Technicians; Nursing Assistants; Dental Assistants; Materials Processing Specialists; Patient Unit Secretaries; Environmental Service Workers; Cooks; Food Service Workers; Dietary Workers; Drivers; Porters; Stockkeepers; Transport Assistants; Transportation Center Workers; Truck Drivers; and Unit Support Assistants.

Workers represented by SEIU Local 200 United at the University of Rochester Campus include: Building Services; Dining Services; Porters; Cooks; Stack Attendants - Library, Catering Service Assistants, Bus Drivers, Truck Drivers and Stockkeepers.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: Union Hospital & Campus Workers To Hold Campaign Kickoff Event As Contract Set To Expire Next Week :: 1199SEIU

And For More, Go To: Strong Memorial Hospital workers' union contract set to expire in one week as strike looms

1199 SEIU-Provided Photo.