Just two hours before a Strike Authorization Vote was set to begin, 8,000 hospital workers at Western New York’s largest private sector employer reached a tentative, three- year contract agreement in late July.

The union members were demanding improvements in benefits and wages to help recruit and retain staff at Kaleida Health’s Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and Clinics across Western New York. The workers are represented by 1199SEIU and the Communica- tions Workers of America (CWA). Because staffing levels are such an important issue for members, the agreement includes provisions for an expedited arbitration process if recurring staff shortages are identified. This new enforcement language can include financial penalties issued by an arbitrator.

The agreement includes a 10 percent across-the-board wage in- crease over the life of the contract. The employer recognized longevity and dedication by adding a new wage step at the 25th year of ser- vice, which includes an additional 3 percent wage increase.

“I’ve worked for Kaleida for more than 37 years, and I am so happy they finally acknowledged long-term employees with a 25-year step increase. We invested a lot of time at Kaleida through mergers, COVID, and changes in the health- care industry. I feel relieved they finally value our years of service as long-term employees,” said Janice Bennett, a cook and 1199SEIU Chairperson at Buffalo General Medical Center.

The agreement covers unionized health care workers employed at Buffalo General Medical Center, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Mil- lard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, HighPointe on Michigan, DeGraff Medical Park, and various commu- nity-based clinics across Western New York.

Union members work as Reg- istered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Professionals, Technical Employees, Clinicians, and Busi- ness Office Clerical, Service and Maintenance staff at three major hospitals, two nursing homes, and a variety of clinics across Erie and Niagara Counties.