Reliance on Agency Workers & Lack of Competitive Wages Will Push Nursing Home Workers To Picket Wednesday in Kenmore
November 27, 2023
Contact: April Ezzell, (716) 449-1620
1199SEIU Communications
1199SEIU Delivered 10-Day Notice To Schofield Residence Administrators Last Week To Hold Informational Picket Outside Kenmore Facility
WHO : Nursing Home Workers
WHAT: Informational Picket
WHEN: Wednesday, November 29 from 2:00PM-4:30PM
Press Conference at 3PM
Media Availability at 4PM
WHERE: 3333 Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217
WHY?: The three-year contract covering more than 100 Nursing Home workers in Kenmore expired November 17th following one extension from October 30th. The expired labor deal comes as we see an increase in worker unrest across the country. Caregivers are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.
Caregivers are fighting for competitive wages to help retain and recruit permanent workers to care for residents. The Kenmore facility relies heavily on agency workers. With the inconsistency nature of agency work, continuity of care for residents may be impacted.
Nursing home workers expressed concern over the Kenmore home’s increased use of agency workers and continuity of care for residents. "This is the resident's home,” said Stephanie Ezak, Physical Therapist Assistant. “They want to see familiar faces and build a connection with their staff but Schofield chooses to pay agency workers to come in at a higher cost than to make sure their employees are paid fairly for their work. I could go someplace that will pay me more money - what is deserved but I choose to stay at Schofield because it is a nice place to work and I'm here to care for the residents,” said Ezak.
“We make decisions from the heart in healthcare because we love what we do,” said Cathy Wills, Physical Therapy Assistant. “We also need to be rewarded for our caring hearts. Some of us have led with our hearts and have taken significant pay cuts to make changes in job locations because we love what we do and believe in our hearts we make a difference," said Wills.
1199SEIU represents Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, Physical Therapy Assistants, Housekeepers, Laundry Workers, Dietary Aides, Environmental Services Aides, and Maintenance Workers.
Both sides are set to return to the bargaining table on November 28th, just one day before the scheduled picket.
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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