For Immediate Release: Friday, May 26, 2017
Contact: Allison Krause: 315.679.6032 | Allison.Krause@1199.org | Cheryl Marino: 716.560.9337 | Cheryl.Marino@1199.org

 

Collective bargaining agreement meets dual goals of maintaining and improving quality care at the hospital and protecting good jobs in the local economy.

On Monday, 1199SEIU members at Brooks Memorial Hospital ratified a new collective bargaining agreement that will increase wages, provide additional training to caregivers, and improve security for workers in their jobs and in retirement. Carol Ames, a Brooks Memorial Hospital employee in the Health Information department states, “There is an undeniable connection between healthcare workers who can take care of themselves and their families at home and who are respected on the job --- and quality patient care. This agreement gives members economic security and peace of mind by providing a guaranteed pension, affordable health insurance and annual wages increases.”

Jeffrey St. George, a Patient Care Assistant and negotiating committee member, said that this ismore important to the community than might meet the eye. “When healthcare workers have good, stable, union jobs that provide livable wages and affordable benefits, local economies prosper. That's because we can pay the bills and also have some money left over to enjoy what the community offers in retail, recreation, and entertainment. It’s a win-win.” There are 162 healthcare workers in the 1199SEIU bargaining unit, which includes Registered Nurses, PCA 's, LPNs, Lab, Radiology, and Ultrasound mammography Technicians, MaintenanceMechanics, Food Service Attendants, Environmental Services and others.

###

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 450,000 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.