LPNs at Gowanda Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Join Powerful Healthcare Workers Union, 1199SEIU, United Healthcare Workers East

July 4, 2015

“We have better health insurance at a lower rate, and other benefits including a pension and an education fund. This contract means a better work environment for everyone.”



Gowanda, NY- 1199SEIU members at Gowanda Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Western New York got a powerful boost recently when the facility’s 37 LPNs unanimously ratified their first contract. The nurses joined the union late last year.



“This is priceless to me. I’m so proud to be a part of making positive changes for the caregivers and our residents,” said LPN Kelly Crowley. “Our contract makes Gowanda a better place to work. We can give our residents the care they deserve, and at the same time know we can care for ourselves and families.”



The collective bargaining agreement includes a 4.5% wage increase over two years and longevity bonuses. Importantly, the nurses now have health benefits, a retirement plan through the 1199SEIU Regional Pension Fund, and opportunities for upgrading and education through the Greater New York Training Fund. They join 135 C.N.A.’s, laundry, housekeeping, dietary and activities workers who are already 1199SEIU members and have a collective bargaining agreement. Both contracts expire in April 2017.



“Now that we have a legally binding contract, I feel like our jobs are more secure,” said LPN Chalis Barrett. “We also have much better health insurance at a much lower rate, and other benefits including a pension and an education fund. This contract means a better work environment for everyone.”



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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.