FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2024
Contact: April.Ezzell@1199.org, 1199SEIU Communications (716) 449-1620

 

Wage Increases & Improvements Under The Contract Aim to Narrow Gap In Area Standard Wages & Benefits For Rural Caregivers Doing Same Work As Their Counterparts at Legend Health Network facilities across Upstate

Buffalo, NY – About 100 rural nursing home workers at Absolut Care of Three Rivers voted to ratify a 3-year agreement with their employer this month.  Nursing home workers are represented by 1199SEIU, the largest healthcare workers union in the country. 

Steuben County caregivers join a growing number of healthcare workers securing union contracts in recent months.   

“As Certified Nurse Assistant for 22 years, I hope this contract helps to recruit and retain people to work here,” said Nikki Bilby.  “This collective bargaining agreement will definitely help the newer folks coming in who will get good benefits and better pay,” said Bilby. 

The 3-year agreement increases starting rates for newly hired service workers by 3.25% and more than 7% for Certified Nurse Assistants with an additional annual increase.  The contract also includes a 10-step wage scale based on years of experience.  

Staff recruitment and retention was key to negotiations.  The new labor deal also implements standard wage scales to help recruit and retain staff to care for residents.  Workers also won pension increases, daily overtime, and enhanced shift differential for evenings and overnights. Healthcare workers with 11 years or more of service will get a total of 12% in wage increases over the life of the contract.  The agreement also adds Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

Nursing Home workers at the facility in Painted Post work as Activities Aides, Certified Nurse Assistants, Cooks, Dietary Aides, Housekeeping Aides, Laundry Aides, Licensed Practical Nurses, Maintenance Assistants, Receptionists, Resident Assistants, Unit Clerks, and Van Drivers. 

Majority owner of the for-profit nursing home in Steuben County is currently Israel Sherman¹.  However, the facility is undergoing an application process for a change in ownership. 

The 3-year contract will run through April 30, 2027.   

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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 400,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.
www.1199seiu.org

 

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¹ https://profiles.health.ny.gov/nursing_home/view/150729