Massachusetts

One hundred and sixty health care workers at Medford’s Courtyard Nursing Care Center will see higher wages and improved benefits under a new agreement with Genesis HealthCare.

The contract, ratified unanimously by workers in a September vote, ensures raises of 90 cents for each worker, and moves nearly 100 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) closer to a their goal of achieving a minimum $15/hour starting wage. The three-year contract, which took effect retroactive to May 1, 2015, moves experienced CNAs to $15/hour by 2018.

“This new agreement recognizes the dedication that healthcare workers give every day to their patients,” said Veronica Turner, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “Workers at Courtyard Nursing Care Center deserve access to a living wage and quality benefits to ensure that they can remain focused on delivering high quality patient care.”

Key aspects of the contract victory include access to short-term disability, paid by the employer, as well as vision coverage for all employees. The contract also provides bonuses of $100 per employee for workers who are able to get to the facility during extreme winter weather.

The 160 Courtyard workers, who are members of 1199SEIU and include certified nursing assistants, housekeeping staff, and clerical employees, also maintained access to the 1199SEIU Training and Upgrading Fund.

Founded in 2006, the 1199SEIU Training and Upgrading Fund is a joint labor-management partnership between 1199SEIU and local participating health providers that is enhancing patient care by helping thousands of workers to enroll in post-secondary certificate or degree programs.

The Courtyard Nursing Care Center contract agreement is among a series of successes for nursing care workers who are members of 1199SEIU. 1199SEIU membes have also reached agreements recently with Vero Health & Rehabilitation in West Roxbury and with Maristhill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Waltham.

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