Local Healthcare Workers Call on Kaleida Health to Invest in Workforce, not just “Brick and Mortar”
(Buffalo, NY) On June 10-12, 2013, over 7,000 healthcare workers will have the opportunity to cast their ballot to authorize a work stoppage of Kaleida Health facilities. Once a strike vote of the membership is taken, when approved, it allows the union bargaining committee to issue a 10-day advance strike notice.
Kaleida Health and the three unions that represent the workforce, Communication Workers of America (CWA 1168), 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE 17) have been in contract negotiations since March 2013. Last week, Kaleida Health and the union bargaining committee agreed to a June 21, 2013 contract extension after both parties were unable to reach an agreement before the May 31, contract expiration.
After over 30 negotiation sessions, the two parties remain far apart on major staffing and economic issues. Parties have agreed to work with Federal Mediation & Conciliations Service (FMCS) moving forward.
“A few years ago, we were facing tough economic times. Cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates and healthcare funding caused healthcare providers to make a lot of tough decisions” says James Scordato 1199SEIU Vice President. “Healthcare workers from across the region, took wage freezes, gave back deserved benefits and other personal gains in order to ensure quality healthcare delivery was not impacted.”
“Kaleida Health is currently investing a half billion dollars into new construction projects. We have done our part; we are now asking Kaleida to invest in the workers, not just brick and mortar” said Cori Gambini; R.N., CWA 1168 President.
“I believe that the healthcare advancements Kaleida Health is making will help build new jobs and strengthen our community. However, we need to ensure these are quality jobs, with access to good healthcare options. Kaleida and the unions reaching a fair agreement that invests in the workforce is an important step in advancing healthcare in our community,” said Assemblyman Sean Ryan (149th District).
The current workforce has worked diligently to transition Kaleida Health into the 21st Century of healthcare delivery. Workers have participated on committees, implemented new initiatives and opened new facilities to make Kaleida Health a leader in healthcare delivery. “We are disappointed that Kaleida is trying to imply that our proposals would put them “out of business.” Our mission is to ensure that we have quality healthcare delivery and a quality standard of living for our workers for generations to come, not close places down. Our proposals are fiscally sound, and would allow for our workers to provide for themselves and their families,” says Scordato.
Parties are not scheduled to return to the bargaining table until June 13.
(Buffalo, NY) On June 10-12, 2013, over 7,000 healthcare workers will have the opportunity to cast their ballot to authorize a work stoppage of Kaleida Health facilities. Once a strike vote of the membership is taken, when approved, it allows the union bargaining committee to issue a 10-day advance strike notice.
Kaleida Health and the three unions that represent the workforce, Communication Workers of America (CWA 1168), 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE 17) have been in contract negotiations since March 2013. Last week, Kaleida Health and the union bargaining committee agreed to a June 21, 2013 contract extension after both parties were unable to reach an agreement before the May 31, contract expiration.
After over 30 negotiation sessions, the two parties remain far apart on major staffing and economic issues. Parties have agreed to work with Federal Mediation & Conciliations Service (FMCS) moving forward.
“A few years ago, we were facing tough economic times. Cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates and healthcare funding caused healthcare providers to make a lot of tough decisions” says James Scordato 1199SEIU Vice President. “Healthcare workers from across the region, took wage freezes, gave back deserved benefits and other personal gains in order to ensure quality healthcare delivery was not impacted.”
“Kaleida Health is currently investing a half billion dollars into new construction projects. We have done our part; we are now asking Kaleida to invest in the workers, not just brick and mortar” said Cori Gambini; R.N., CWA 1168 President.
“I believe that the healthcare advancements Kaleida Health is making will help build new jobs and strengthen our community. However, we need to ensure these are quality jobs, with access to good healthcare options. Kaleida and the unions reaching a fair agreement that invests in the workforce is an important step in advancing healthcare in our community,” said Assemblyman Sean Ryan (149th District).
The current workforce has worked diligently to transition Kaleida Health into the 21st Century of healthcare delivery. Workers have participated on committees, implemented new initiatives and opened new facilities to make Kaleida Health a leader in healthcare delivery. “We are disappointed that Kaleida is trying to imply that our proposals would put them “out of business.” Our mission is to ensure that we have quality healthcare delivery and a quality standard of living for our workers for generations to come, not close places down. Our proposals are fiscally sound, and would allow for our workers to provide for themselves and their families,” says Scordato.
Parties are not scheduled to return to the bargaining table until June 13.
