1199SEIU and Guthrie Corning Hospital Reach 3-Year Tentative Agreement Averting Informational Picket

May 1, 2025

The existing 3-year labor contract covering over 450 caregivers at Steuben County’s major hospital was set to expire yesterday as workers demanded improved staffing levels and quality affordable health insurance 

corning-hospital-committee-photo-v2.jpgCorning, NY – Just before the existing 3-year labor deal covering more than 450 union healthcare workers at Guthrie’s Corning Hospital was set to expire last night, 1199SEIU and Guthrie Corning Hospital were able to reach a 3-year Tentative Agreement around 10PM. The new agreement comes as workers will celebrate their 30th year since first forming their union. Caregivers are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. 

On Monday, a Federal Mediator from Federal Mediation and Reconciliation Services (FMCS) joined contract talks in an effort to help both sides reach an agreement.  

“After a long and difficult few days, the union and management have come to a tentative 3-year agreement. We will now present this agreement to the membership for ratification,” said Peggy Clarkson, Emergency Room Unit Clerk. 

A ratification vote will be held on Tuesday, May 6 from 11AM-8PM. 

Contract talks between Guthrie Corning Hospital and the union representing healthcare workers began mid-March. Last week, union members overwhelmingly voted to authorize an informational picket[1]Healthcare workers were fighting for improved staffing levels, quality affordable health insurance coverage and benefits, and competitive wages to help retain and recruit more workers.     

Union members work as Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Service and Maintenance Workers, Clerical Workers, and Technicians. 

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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 400,000 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.

https://www.1199seiu.org

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[1] Union Healthcare workers at Guthrie Corning Hospital vote to hold informational picket