Hospital workers at Mount St Mary’s Hospital and Lockport Memorial Hospital 
Began Contract Talks With Catholic Health Early January 

 

Niagara County - More than 400 hospital workers at Mount St Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston and Lockport Memorial Hospital in Lockport began negotiating for a new labor deal with Catholic Health on January 15th. 

 

Hospital workers at both facilities are represented by 1199SEIU, the largest healthcare workers union in the country. 

 

Niagara County hospital workers at each facility are fighting for competitive benefits including pension and wage increases that will help to improve staffing levels. Workers say they are not willing to accept any concessions. 

 

"I've been a Tech for 24 years in the Lockport and northern Niagara community. Our patients rely on us to ensure they are getting the best care possible.  We hope to secure wage improvements to retain experienced staff," said Michele Salay, Certified MRI Technologist at Lockport Memorial Hospital. 

 

“We have been negotiating with Catholic Health for more than a month now and staffing is a priority.  Working below the grid creates higher turnover rates.  When the employer hires expensive agency staff to fill vacancies, it erodes the bargaining unit and risks the continuity of care our patients deserve. Catholic Health must negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that prioritizes hiring permanent staff to provide care for patients in our community,” said Terri Ross, Registered Nurse at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital.

 

Caregivers at both Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston and Lockport Memorial Hospital work as Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Technicians, and Service and Maintenance workers which include dietary and housekeeping.

 

The current 4-year contract covering workers at both Niagara County Catholic Health hospitals is set to expire March 31, 2026. 

 

Negotiations are set to resume tomorrow February 19, 2026. Both sides currently negotiate two days per week at the 1199SEIU office located at 2421 Main Street in Buffalo.

 

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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