Buffalo, NY Caregivers Secure Their First Union Contract

July 12, 2012

In a nearly unanimous vote on December 5, newly unionized workers at St. Catherine's Laboure Health Care Center in Buffalo, NY, ratified their first labor contract. The four-year agreement covers nearly 75 Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses and Unit Secretaries. The workers voted to join 1199SEIU in an NLRB secret ballot election in September. The employee bargaining committee and management began negotiations in early October.



The new contract includes a wage increase of 8.25 percent over the life of the contract plus longevity bonuses, and maintains current employer contributions to health insurance. Non-economic highlights include the formation of a labor-management committee, grievance procedure, and seniority rights.



“This fight has never been about money, this has been about having voice on the job and basic fairness,” said Brenda Anderson, CNA.



"The most important thing about this contract is job protection” said Michelle Watts, an LPN. “In this economy it’s important to know we can’t get fired just because, It feels good to have protection.



Carolyn Adams, who has been a unit secretary for over 40 years, is proud to have voted on her first union contract. "Voting on this contract means that we now have a say, and that we are listened to,” said Adams. “Work place improvements also mean improvements in how we deliver care. When people come together, change can happen for the better. This means a stronger future for us and for future generations as well.”