Interview & Photo Opportunity

The 3-year labor contract covering nearly 8,000 caregivers expires May 31^stas workers demand improved staffing levels and added safety protections in the workplace as violence against healthcare workers on the rise across U.S^[1]. 

WHO: Union Healthcare Workers 

WHAT: 1199SEIU and CWA to hold press conference kicking off the start of contract negotiations with Kaleida Health 

WHEN: Tuesday, March 4 at 8:30 AM – 8:50 AM only

WHERE: 2421 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214 

WHY: Union healthcare workers at Western New York’s largest employer, Kaleida Health will hold a press conference moments before they sit down with management to negotiate a new labor deal. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covering nearly 8,000 union healthcare workers at Kaleida Health expires May 31, 2025. Hospital workers are represented by Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO and 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

Bargaining committee members from both unions have been caucusing for months to create a comprehensive set of bargaining proposals that will address critical issues facing workers. Healthcare workers identified key non-economic issues that must be addressed including improved staffing levels, increased safety protections, job security, as well as dignity and respect. 

As violence against healthcare workers rises across the US, we see more and more frontline caregivers being threatened, attacked, and even injured on the job just trying to provide care to patients. Workers are asking for real protections and enforceable policies to keep them safe on the job. 

Workers also believe that Kaleida Health must offer a comprehensive wage and benefit package to recruit and retain experienced workers to provide care for patients. Any economic benefit package must also include improvements in pension. In addition, healthcare workers are unwilling to accept any concessionary proposals from management. 

“As we enter crucial contract negotiations for our dedicated healthcare workers, we will advocate for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. Our bargaining committee embodies the spirit of solidarity and empowerment. Together, we stand united in our mission to secure a collective bargaining agreement that will provide quality care for our patients and secure the future of our members,” said Cori Gambini, President of CWA Local 1168. 

“Today is the start of our process to secure a new contract with the Kaleida Health system. Our committee has spent several months putting proposals together that will benefit our members, take care of our patients, and secure healthcare in the Western New York area. We will work over the next few months with our labor partners, hospital partners, and public officials to secure and maintain the best healthcare worker contract in Western New York. We hope with a lot of hard work we can secure a new collective bargaining agreement before the current contract expires May 31st,” said Jim Scordato, 1199SEIU Vice-President for WNY Hospitals. 

"The members of 1199SEIU and CWA have directed us very clearly in terms of what their priorities are for this set of negotiations. The Union bargaining committee is ready, willing and able to roll up our sleeves and get to work on achieving these goals,” said Debora Hayes, CWA District 1 Area Director.

The current 3-year collective bargaining agreement covers nearly 8,000 healthcare workers at Buffalo General Medical Center, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, HighPointe on Michigan, DeGraff Medical Park, and various community-based clinics across Western New York. 

Union members work as Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Professionals, Technical Employees, Clinicians, Business Office Clerical, and Service and Maintenance at three major hospitals, 2 nursing homes and a variety of clinics across Erie and Niagara Counties. 

A Federal Mediator from Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) will be present during contact talks. 

Both unions will bargain with management on Tuesdays and Fridays through the month of March. 

^[1] Northeast Pa. sees an increase in violence aimed at healthcare workers