Caregivers protested unfair labor practices in fight for improved staffing levels, better working conditions, quality benefits and fair and living wages

 Upstate, NY – Nearly 1,000 unionized nursing home workers at 5 for-profit long-term care facilities in Western New York participated in weeklong strikes to protest unfair labor practices at largest nursing home chains in Upstate Western New York.  Caregivers alleged bad faith bargaining and coercive tactics^[1] by the operators and owners of Elderwood and McGuire Group which is an affiliate of Living Legends.  Workers at the five area for-profit nursing homes are part of a larger campaign originally involving twenty-seven (27) different facilities in Upstate Western New York.  Caregivers are represented by 1199SEIU, United Healthcare Workers East. 

Despite heavy rains and divisive employer tactics by wealthy for-profit nursing home operators, caregivers picketed daily at Absolut Care of Gasport, Elderwood at Lockport, Elderwood at Williamsville, North Gate Manor, and Garden Gate Manor.  Nursing home workers stood together putting a spotlight on difficult working conditions and low wages that impact staffing levels in area for-profit facilities, all to protect quality care for residents. 

 “I would tell Dr. Rubin and them, they should probably try to trade places with us. See how they do in the conditions we deal with, the short staffing and the people that are getting taken care of. We’re in here day in and day out, taking care of them like they’re our own families,” said Angel Hillman, Housekeeping Aide at Elderwood at Lockport.

 While, caregivers at Elderwood continue to demand a meeting with owners Dr. Jeffrey Rubin and Warren Cole^[2].  Dedicated caregivers could be seen outside of Elderwood at Lockport pleading for owner Dr. Jeffrey Rubin^[3] to speak with them while on strike. Elderwood management has not met with workers since January.

 Nursing home workers participating in unfair labor practice strikes this week, protested alleged bad faith bargaining by for-profit owners of the McGuire Group and Elderwood.  Caregivers protested nursing homeowners’ refusal to allow union organizing staff access to facilities, threatening and intimidating workers who planned to strike, and implementing last best and final offer on workers without their agreement.

Over the next two weeks, union members at four McGuire facilities will vote on management’s final offer. If unacceptable, members will authorize next steps, which could include an unlimited strike at the following facilities owned and operated by McGuire Group and Living Legends:

1. Autumn View Manor
2. Garden Gate Manor
3. North Gate Manor 
4. Seneca Manor 

1199SEIU has filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges with National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on behalf of workers against owners and operators of all five facilities where workers participated in strikes including: 

1. Absolut Care of Gasport
2. Elderwood at Lockport
3. Elderwood at Williamsville
4. Garden Gate Manor
5. North Gate Manor

In addition to these unfair labor practice charges, 1199SEIU has filed charges against owners and operators of Absolut Care of Aurora Park (Pros/Tech) and Absolut Care of Allegany(Pros/Tech) alleging bad faith bargaining. 

Union contracts covering a majority of the nursing homes expired April 30, 2025, with the exception of the two Elderwood facilities whose contract already expired.  For-profit owners of Elderwood implemented their last, best, and final offer. Elderwood cut daily overtime, threatening adequate staffing on evening and overnight shifts, and changed the workers’ health insurance coverage.  

Nursing home workers are part of an historic campaign that began with 27 different long-term care facilities in Erie, Niagara, Allegany, and Cattaraugus Counties.  Earlier this month, settlements were reached at 4 facilities including:  Safire Care of Northtowns and Williamsville Suburban whereas contracts were ratified at Schoellkopf Health Center and Ascension Living at Our Lady of Peace.  Of the facilities remaining in contract talks, 21 are for-profit.  There are common owners at 15 long-term care facilities including: RCA Group, Centers Healthcare, Elderwood Group, McGuire Group, Personal Healthcare, and the Sherman Family.

 Earlier this month, 1199SEIU requested a mediator from Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) to join contract talks with the McGuire Group in advance of the strikes. McGuire Group agreed to the request and the mediator joined contract talks on the same day the employer offered their last, best, and final to workers.  

This month, 1199SEIU reached two 3-year tentative agreements for nursing home workers at Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Williamsville and Schofield Residence, bringing the total number of settlements in this campaign to six.Caregivers at those facilities will have a chance to review the agreement and vote soon.

1199SEIU continues bargaining with multiple employers in an effort to reach agreements at Newfane Rehabilitation and Health Center, Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, Ellicott Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, and also The Grand at Delaware Park.

Union members work as Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Speech/Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Dieticians, Social Workers, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Licensed Physical Therapy Assistants, Environmental Service Workers, Maintenance Workers, Dietary and Food Service Workers, Housekeeping & Laundry Workers, Clerical Workers, and Unit Clerks.

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^[1] The McGuire Group | National Labor Relations Board
^[2] New owners of ElderWood plan to invest $40 million - Buffalo Business First
^[3] NYS Health Profile: Elderwood at Lockport