After multiple worker led job actions, nursing home workers have an agreement to vote on next week 

 

 

Rochester, NY – Late this evening, 1199SEIU reached a 3-year tentative agreement with Rochester Regional’s Unity Living Center^[1] following an informational picket held last month outside the facility on Genesee Street. Last month’s informational picket was held just as Becker’s Review named Rochester Regional one of the best places to work.^[2]

 

“We fought hard and finally reached an agreement we feel our members can support and also protects quality care for our residents,” said Irma Ragland, Licensed Practical Nurse. 

 

“From August through months of negotiations and picketing in the rain, our long hours of advocacy were not in vain! Today, we officially sealed the deal,” said Kiara Grey-Bradley, Licensed Practical Nurse. 

 

The last union contract covering more than 100 workers expired earlier this year following multiple extensions.  If ratified, it would replace a contract that originally expired July 31, 2025.  Caregivers are represented by 1199SEIU, the largest healthcare workers union in the country. 

 

Rochester Regional’s CEO Richard “Chip” Davis^[3] has not addressed worker issues directly during contract talks, but rather a hired attorney negotiated with workers at the bargaining table along with agency leaders. 

 

A contract ratification vote will be held next week. If ratified by workers, details of the agreement will be made public. 

 

Union nursing home workers at Rochester Regional’s Unity Living Center work as Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, Activity Aides, Unit Secretaries and Physical Therapy Aides. 

 

Unity Living Center is a 120-bed facility that includes 10 ventilator beds^[4].

 

 

 

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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.