More than 1,200 longterm caregivers at a dozen for-profit nursing homes across two Western New York counties whose union contracts had expired joined together to win $15 an hour for service workers, higher starting rates for new employees, and standard wage scales for experience following months of unrest and strike action.

1199 members stood united against out-of-town for-profit ownership groups to demand better wages and benefits—and won. Nursing home members at the 12 facilities participated in a coordinated campaign that included sticker days, purple days, informational pickets, and one-day strikes. Members told their stories publicly to highlight critically understaffed facilities and the need to improve wages and benefits to recruit and retain workers.

“It was a long battle, but we came out victorious,” said Lori Beeman, Housekeeper at Fiddler’s Green Manor in Springville. “These raises will have a big impact on my fellow union members. The new start rates for service of $14.50, and going to $15.00 in May, is a great win—the new start rates will help improve staffing and help provide the care our residents deserve.”

“We are thankful to have settled this contract and get our members up to par so we can start hiring new employees," said April Stonebraker, LPN at Elderwood in Lockport, Niagara County. “We still have some work to do, but this contract is a start to fight for staffing and an upward growth in wages and limiting agency use.”

"It's a new day in the healthcare workplace, and these contracts are the first step to recognizing and realizing how important we are," said James Funderburk, Housekeeper with Elderwood at Williamsville in Amherst.

“I’m glad to finally be recognized for my seven years of dedication to Seneca Health Care with these new wages,” Dietary Aide Joseph Grotky said. “I’m hopeful we’ll see less turnover and better care for residents. This is the best contract I’ve ever seen.”

These 12 nursing home victories across Western New York will now set the standard for wages and benefits at for-profit facilities.

1199 Magazine | September / October 2022