1199SEIU nursing home workers at Adirondack Tri-County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, located in the beautiful upstate New York mountain town of North Creek, are pleased with their new contract.



“We settled in just two sessions and met our goals,” said Charlotte Bessey, negotiating committee member and a CNA ward clerk at the Center for 33 years. “Despite the employer’s initial proposal, we stood together and were clear about what we need to take care of our families and improve our ability to take care of our residents. In these shaky economic times, we all feel more secure with a contract that includes guaranteed raises, affordable health insurance, and a good pension.



In addition to across-the-board wage increases for every year of the 4-year contract, CNA wage rates, LPN stipends and shift differentials are also improved.



The employer agreed to increase their contribution to the workers’ health insurance benefits and increase their contribution to their pension plan, so that it can be maintained at its current rate. The workers also negotiated a new vacation policy, which allows buy-back of 50 percent of accrued vacation time.



“We are a small nursing home and we are like family,” Bessey said. “I think the employer understands that when workers are able to take care of ourselves, we do a better job of taking care of each other and providing the quality care that Adirondack Tri-County is known for—it’s a win-win for everyone at the nursing home and in the community.”