Amherst & Tonawanda Nursing Home Workers Vote To Ratify 1-Year Deal
August 29, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2024
Contact: April.Ezzell@1199.org, 1199SEIU Communications (716) 449-1620
Unionized nursing home workers at Williamsville Suburban & Safire Care of Northtowns are celebrating a new contract this Labor Day weekend
Downstate for-profit out of town nursing home owner, Solomon Abramczyk initially failed to sign the agreement over paying better wages to recruit and retain experienced caregivers. 1199SEIU had filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) alleging Abramczyk was bargaining in bad faith when he reneged on the deal. Since signing the agreement, the union has withdrawn the ULP charge. Following a brief conversation with union negotiators and the worker led bargaining committee earlier this week, he signed the agreement.
Nursing home workers at the facilities in Amherst and Tonawanda are represented by 1199SEIU, the largest healthcare workers union in the country.
“We are glad that we could reach a final agreement,” said Heather Benns, Licensed Practical Nurse. “Experience pay is important because you go to school to earn your license or you take classes to earn your certification. If you have 30 years with that certification or 10 years with that license, you bring a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to a nursing home. It significantly affects resident care, particularly as we encounter an increasing number of high-acuity residents,” said Benns.
“As we approach Labor Day, this is a perfect example of workers uniting and raising their voices to make a difference in their workplace,” said Emmanuel White, 1199SEIU Organizer. “A united workforce sends a powerful message to any employer and these residents will benefit from experienced and consistent staff providing care for them,” said White.
The newly ratified labor contract covering about 170 workers at the care homes in Tonawanda and Amherst includes increased starting rates for all job titles, increases to the 10-step wage scale, and experience-based pay for all current and newly hired workers. Wage increases vary between 3% and 32%, with an average wage increase of 7%.
In addition, workers with less than 10 years of experience will get an extra 3%, whereas workers with more than 10 years will get a minimum of 4.25%.
The labor contract provides for a one-time ratification bonus of $250 for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), $150 for all other titles and a longevity bonus for dedicated long-time caregivers. Workers also won Martin Luther King Day as a paid holiday.
The contract also specifies how overtime and additional shifts will be allocated at each facility.
About 70 Nursing home workers at Safire Rehabilitations of Northtowns in Tonawanda work as Certified Nurse Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Unit Clerks.
More than 100 workers at Williamsville Suburban Care Center work as Activities Aides, Certified Nurse Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, Physical Therapy Aides, Unit Secretaries, and Maintenance Assistants.
The new 1-year contract runs through April 30, 2025.
On Background:
According to the New York State Department of Health, Safire Care of Northtowns and Williamsville Suburban have common owners, which is often the case when owners participate in related party transactions. Safire Care of Northtowns is owned and operated by Judy Landa, Richard Platschek, Solomon Abramczyk, Robert Schuck, and Moshe Steinberg[1]. Williamsville Suburban Care Center owners are Richard Platschek and Solomon Abramczyk.[2]
More than 72% of for-profit nursing homes in New York state participate in related party transactions including Solomon Abramcyzk.[3] Related party transactions often include paying companies they have an ownership interest in for services provided at a facility they already own or operate – essentially, a way to redirect more profits to owners.[4]
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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in New York and nationwide. We represent over 450,000 members throughout New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida, and Washington, D.C. Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.
www.1199seiu.org
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[1] NYS Health Profile: Safire Rehabilitation of Northtowns, LLC
[2] NYS Health Profile: Williamsville Suburban LLC
[3] Nursing homes will soon have to report deals with 'non-arms length' companies (buffalonews.com)
[4] Nursing homes will soon have to report deals with 'non-arms length' companies (buffalonews.com)