1199SEIU members have begun bargaining with Kaleida Health, their largest Upstate New York employer. 1199SEIU, CWA 1168, CWA 1122, and the IUOE 17, which each have bargaining units at Kaleida, will work together to negotiate a fair contract. These negotiations will impact over 4,000 1199 members and more than 8,000 healthcare workers in western New York.



In October, the union began preparation for bargaining by distributing surveys throughout the facilities. Since then the bargaining committee members have met weekly for several hours to review current contract language and prepare proposals.



March 7, 2013 marked the official opening of contract negotiations. Representatives of all the unions involved read opening statements that identified key issues at the facilities, including the need for better staffing, equipment ,respect for the hard work of the members and the desire to meet the mutual objective of quality patient care.



Throughout the course of the negotiations, members of all bargaining unions will wear buttons with the words “Unity, Solidarity, Strength” to demonstrate that they are united for a fair contract. 1199ers are encouraged to wear the buttons to work to show Kaleida their solidarity. Members who need a button and want to stay informed on the contract talks should talk to their Delegates, attend membership meetings and visit www.unitysolidaritystrength.org