University Of Rochester And Strong Memorial Hospital Service Workers Approve New Labor Agreements

October 17, 2014

1199SEIU members work at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Anthony L. Jordan Health Center, six other area nursing homes, and at many other health care facilities in Western New York.



(Rochester) - Service workers at the University of Rochester (UR), including its Strong Memorial Hospital division strongly approved Thursday evening new three year labor contracts. The contracts continue fully paid employer paid health insurance, establishes a minimum wage of $15.00 per hour by 2017 for workers with five years of service, and grants a total of 7% in a series of wages increases for all covered employees.



The union had challenged UR to join it in the so-called "Fight for Fifteen" campaign which has involved low wage workers nationwide, and more recently in Rochester. UR agreed, and both sides figured out a way to guarantee that all employees with five years or more of service would make at least $15.00 per hour.



General wage increases will occur as follows: 2% September, 2014; 2% September, 2015; 2% September, 2016; and 1% March, 2017. The new contracts end in September, 2017.



In addition to wage increases and maintenance of health benefits and college tuition reimbursement, service workers will see increases in training pay, safety shoe allowance, paid time for continuing education classes, and union conference time. Contract language prohibiting workplace discrimination was also strengthened.



Kellie Miller, an 18 year Transportation Assistant says, "I'm glad that we negotiated strong wage increases for our coworkers, while also keeping our affordable healthcare."



Tamara Parker, a 14 year Cook says, "I'm happy that we were able to work together with the U of R. They appreciated that we needed to insure that all the workers in our Union will be able to grow financially and eventually make a reasonable wage as they begin or continue their careers at the U of R. "



Negotiations began in September and a Federal Mediator was involved from the first session. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) played a critical role in helping the parties reach a final settlement. The contract expired Sept 21st and was extended by both parties while talks continued.



Approximately 1700 UR staff are covered by the two SEIU union contracts. Employees involved in the talks include patient care technicians, nursing unit secretaries, environmental service and facilities employees, food service, transportation, and materials processing staff. Service workers on the UR Campuses are members of SEIU Local 200United, and those working in the Strong Memorial Hospital Division belong to 1199 SEIU United Health Workers East. Both unions negotiated together with UR officials.