Schoellkopf Health Center Nursing Home Workers Overwhelmingly Vote To Ratify 3-Year Labor Contract with Nearly 28% Wage Increases, Pension Improvements, and Newly Added Childcare Benefits
April 30, 2025
Schoellkopf Health Center Nursing Home Workers Overwhelmingly Vote To Ratify 3-Year Labor Contract with Nearly 28% Wage Increases, Pension Improvements, and Newly Added Childcare Benefits
Both union members and management came to a tentative agreement late yesterday and workers voted on it beginning early this morning at 6AM. The contract establishes a new standard in the WNY nursing home industry.
“This agreement represents a shared commitment to fair treatment, mutual respect and the pursuit of equitable working conditions, built on mutual respect, open dialogue and shared goal of long-term success for both parties involved,” said Tina Black, Licensed Practical Nurse.
“This new contract is a meaningful step forward. It reflects not only fairness and respect for the important work we do but also sets a standard that will help attract new talent who recognize the value placed on staff here. As a nurse, I already feel a noticeable boost in morale. It’s deeply encouraging to know that our hard work is being acknowledged and rewarded.
Schoellkopf once again is leading the way and setting the standard for what health care should be—compassionate, committed, and fair. Our work is being recognized and rewarded, and that gives me a renewed sense of purpose and pride in what I do every day,” said Earl Pugh, Licensed Practical Nurse.
“We are proud to share that Schoellkopf Health Center was the first nursing home in the region to reach a settlement with 1199SEIU. This agreement was a deliberate step to demonstrate our continued commitment to delivering exceptional care and to supporting our valued staff who make that possible.
Our belief that investing in our Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, and all members of our nursing home team is fundamental to the future of the Schoellkopf Health Center. By doing so, we are positioning ourselves as leaders in employee treatment and workplace culture locally in the long-term care sector.
We know that recruitment and retention of high-quality, compassionate staff are critical to the care we provide. This agreement strengthens our ability to attract dependable professionals and to retain those who already make a meaningful difference in our facility each day.
We are grateful for the collaboration with 1199SEIU and to all those involved in reaching this agreement and proud to continue setting a standard that reflects the values of our organization,” said Marisa E Prokop, LNHA, MHA, BSW, Administrator, Schoellkopf Health Center.
“It was a pleasure working with the management team at Schoellkopf to settle a contract that will change the lives of our members and continue to protect quality care. This team recognizes the staff for their dedication and commitment to the residents they provide care for,” said Shameka Burnette-Mathews, 1199SEIU Administrative Organizer.
The 3-year contract with Schoellkopf Health Center in Niagara Falls includes some of the best benefits to help recruit and retain nursing home workers in the region. The agreement includes newly negotiated weekend differential, increased shift differential and preceptor pay. Schoellkopf will offer service workers $16.75-$22.54 per hour, Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA), $20-$26.91 per hour and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) $30-$40.36 per hour based on experience. In addition, nursing home workers won a general wage increase of 4.5%-5.5% in years 2 and 3, resulting in an average wage increase of up to 28% over three years. In addition, Schoellkopf agreed to increased pension contributions and employer contributions towards dental and optical insurance coverage for caregivers.
Caregivers will also be able to take advantage of a newly added 1199SEIU Childcare Benefit Fund. The Childcare Fund is a union benefit to support members and their families by providing quality benefits, academic and personal development programs for children and youth up to age 17. The benefit is the first of its kind offered outside of Rochester and New York City.
###
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.