The newly approved union contract includes quarterly attendance bonuses, a uniform allowance, and significant wage increases meant to retain and recruit workers

Rochester, NY – Late today, 1199SEIU members unanimously voted to ratify a 3-year labor contract with Rochester Regional’s Unity Living Center^[1] following an informational picket held last month outside the facility on Genesee Street. Caregivers are represented by 1199SEIU, the largest healthcare workers union in the country.

 

“I feel happy about our new union contract. It was a fight that we won and my next goal is to make sure everyone belongs to the union and benefits from the contract,” said Kiara Grey-Bradley, LPN.

 

Nursing home workers stood together against their employer and won significant wage increases to help retain and recruit workers.  All Rochester Regional workers were given 3% last year and now union members have won an additional 2.75% this year, and 3% next year, totaling 8.75% over the life of the contract.  In addition to wage increases, Licensed Practical Nurses will also get a pay increase once they complete their clinical ladders program.  

 

Union members secured one additional floating holiday increasing the total holidays to 8.  Workers also fought to win an attendance bonus ranging from $75 per quarter for part-timers and $150 per quarter for full-timers if they have no call-offs within the quarter.  The quarterly attendance bonus is meant to help improve continuity of care for residents and workers with no call-offs could earn up to $600 per year.

 

Nursing home workers won a solid union contract that protects their rights on the job and helps to improve retention and recruitment.  The new deal also includes a “me too” clause to ensure that if Rochester Regional raises wages, nursing home workers at Unity Living Center would receive those same increases.

 

1199SEIU will continue to have access to the nursing facility to meet with members, and to address worker issues on site.  The secured access language gives workers an opportunity to participate in the union and to learn about job protections and benefits. 

 

In recent weeks, union membership and density in Rochester is increasing as more and more healthcare professionals and service workers join labor unions to protect their rights, benefits, and to have a voice in the workplace.

Caregivers currently receive one uniform from the employer however, the new contract provides for full time workers to receive a $100 voucher and part time workers will receive a $50 voucher to purchase work uniforms.

 

Workers also won a voice on the job that includes creating a subcommittee on training, allowing any unresolved training issues to be mediated by Federal Mediation and Reconciliation Services (FMCS).

 

Rochester Regional’s CEO Richard “Chip” Davis^[2] did not address worker issues directly during contract talks, but rather a hired attorney negotiated the new deal with workers along with agency leaders.

 

The new contract comes after Becker’s Review named Rochester Regional one of the best places to work.^[3]

 

Union nursing home workers covered by the new contract at Rochester Regional’s Unity Living Center work as Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, Activity Aides, Unit Secretaries and Physical Therapy Aides.

 

The new 3-year union contract runs through July 31, 2028.

 

Unity Living Center is a 120-bed facility that includes 10 ventilator beds^[4].

 

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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.