(ROCHESTER, NEW YORK) - After months of bargaining, the University of Rochester’s attempt to increase health insurance co-pays, offers of minimal wage increases and threats to weaken anti-discrimination language have left many Workers represented by 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Workers East worrying about their families.  

The Union Employees say the University of Rochester’s tactics make it hard to retain and recruit Workers to fill vacancies, all while the largest Private Sector employer’s income and profits soar, 1199 SEIU Officials said.

The Caregivers do not believe that the Hospital will settle a fair contract for Workers - and the informational picket that was held today (Monday, November 9th) could signal the beginning of more aggressive job actions.  

Discussions over proposed changes in the no discrimination language in the contract and neutrality remain a divisive issue at the bargaining table, 1199 SEIU Representatives said.

All this while the University of Rochester has now publicly removed statistics showing the ethnic and racial make-up of their Staff.

In comparison, larger Universities retained their No Discrimination language in their labor contracts.  

A large majority of Union Workers at the Hospital and campus are Minority and any changes to the existing No Discrimination Clause could have a direct and immediate impact on them. 

The contract language the University of Rochester is trying to remove protects Workers from being discriminated against based on gender/gender identity, race, marital status, ethnicity, sexual orientation or other typically-protected categories that many employers adhere to.

“We represent a diverse body of people. It took fifty years to cultivate this language to protect our Members and they are trying to roll back the protections we fought so hard to win. It’s very discouraging,” said Robyn Wilcox-Davis, a SEIU Local 200 United Delegate and Cook at the University of Rochester Campus.  

Two Unions representing 2,000 Workers at Strong Memorial Hospital and University of Rochester’s River Campus have been negotiating for their next contract since early August.  

Contract talks are ongoing between 1199 SEIU, SEIU Local 200 United and the University of Rochester - typically, twice per week.   

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 200 United. 

A Federal Mediator from Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) was present during early negotiating sessions, but in the meantime, the Unions have hired a well-experienced private mediator.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: University of Rochester Profits Skyrocket As Hospital & Campus Workers To Hold Informational Picket Monday 11/9 Over Increases To Health Insurance Co-Pays, Wages, and Attempted Removal of Anti-Discrimination Protections :: 1199SEIU

1199 SEIU Video Freeze Frame Shot Via Facebook.