Members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and Communications Workers of America have reached a three-year tentative labor agreement with Buffalo, N.Y.-based Kaleida Health, according to a July 8 union news release shared with Becker’s.
The agreement covers nearly 8,000 healthcare workers at Buffalo General Medical Center, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, HighPointe on Michigan, DeGraff Medical Park, and various community-based clinics across western New York.
“We’ve been negotiating with Kaleida Health for months and after more than 16 hours at the table today, we were able to reach an agreement that we believe is good for our members and the community,” Cathy DiFlavio, RN, said in the release.
Union representatives have not shared details about the agreement but will do so if workers ratify the deal. Union members work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, professionals, technical employees, clinicians, business office clerical, and service and maintenance workers at Kaleida facilities.
“Our workforce is our No. 1 asset,” the health system said in a statement shared with Becker’s. “Kaleida Health committed to a new contract that recognizes our workforce’s contributions, allows operational excellence, and promotes a culture of dignity and respect. The contract rewards our current employees, increases wages, improves staffing, and helps attract and retain new staff.”
