Upstate, NY – About two dozen union healthcare workers at Catholic Health’s St. Joseph’s Campus, unanimously voted to ratify a 4-year labor deal today.  Workers are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare workers union in the country. 

 

"These raises close the gap with our biggest competitor—and prove what happens when we stand united. This contract is more than a win. It’s a statement: we won’t settle for less," said Ashley Wyckoff, Surgical Technologist. 

 

“We don’t just deserve a raise — we’ve earned it. This contract is a win for every LPN on the SJC Clearview Unit, securing a much-needed wage package that recognizes our value and helps us stay competitive in a tough market,” said Amber Fuller, Licensed Practical Nurse. 

 

The new four-year labor deal with Catholic Health includes significant wage increases on par with their competitor Kaleida Health.  Surgical Technologists won an average wage increase of 4.17%  - 7.17% in the first year of the agreement which includes a 3% general wage increase and wage upgrades.  Licensed Practical Nurses won an average wage increase of 11.52% - 15.23% for the first year which includes a general wage increase of 3% and wage upgrades. Wage increases are retroactive to May 31^st.  In addition, workers also won general wage increases of 3% in year two, 3.5% in year three and 3.5% in year four, totaling more than 13% general wage increases over the life of the contract. 

 

Workers also won improvements to bereavement leave, paid time off, and paid time off buy back is now at 100%.  In addition, Licensed Practical Nurses will get an additional $8 per hour bonus pay for any hours worked above full-time and Surgical Technologists maintain their bonus. 

 

Unionized workers will maintain health insurance, dental insurance, retirement benefits, hospital discounts and severance pay.  

 

Union members at St. Joseph’s Campus work as Surgical Technologists at the Orthopedic Center of Excellence and Licensed Practical Nurses at Clearview Treatment Center. 

 

The new 4-year labor contract runs through May 31, 2029. 

 

###

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