Contract between Kaleida Health and its three unions expires

June 22, 2019

By: Anthony Reyes | WKBW

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Kaleida Health and its three unions could not come to an agreement on a new contract covering thousands of employees, the contract expired at 11:59 p.m. June 21st.

A statement from representatives of the unions ( CWA1168, 1199SEIU and IUOE Local 17) says bargaining broke down with over 30 open issues on the bargaining table.

Staffing, safe patient care, working conditions and economic issues remain unresolved despite 50 bargaining sessions. Management’s focus on cost savings has derailed attention to the core issues our members expect to be addressed. High quality care to members of our community is our number one priority.

Cori Gambini, President of CWA Local 1168

Kaleida Health released a statement on the matter Saturday afternoon.

Over the course of the past four months we have bargained in good faith, addressing numerous issues that are important to the unions. Our current proposal represents a $50 million+ investment into our greatest asset, our workforce. This investment, which includes additional staffing, improves quality of care while at the same time financially rewards our employees. It is fiscally responsible and works within our economic framework. That is extremely important if the organization is going to continue to evolve and be in a position to serve our community in the future.

Michael P. Hughes, chief of staff for Kaleida Health

Both Kaleida and the unions state the goal is to get a deal done, the parties will resume contract negotiations on July 1st.

Kaleida says the parties will operate under the terms of the old contract until a new agreement is reached.