University of Rochester (N.Y.) service workers represented by two Service Employees International Union groups have agreed to a new three-year contract, according to the Rochester Business Journal.
The contract affects approximately 1,800 workers, including patient care technicians, nursing unit secretaries, environmental services and facilities employees, among others, according to the report. Workers are at the university and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
As part of the contract, workers will receive 2 percent annual raises beginning last month as well as "a higher wage step for the most senior employees," "improved dental, disability and bereavement leave benefits" and "more support for child care," the report states.
University officials told Becker's Hospital Review via email the contract also includes an additional paid holiday that other university employees will also receive beginning in 2018, and establishes a joint committee "that will work on ways to reduce sick leave and absenteeism, to improve prevention of workplace injuries and to develop wellness programming for union employees." Additionally, it establishes an apprenticeship program for union workers.
Both parties were pleased with the contract. Wendell Broadhurst, an environmental service working leader on the university's River Campus in Rochester told the Rochester Business Journal, "It keeps our benefits, recognizes years of service, and establishes new pathways to career advancement like the apprenticeship program."
Anthony Kinslow, the university's associate vice president for human resources, said, "This contract represents a win for the University and all of its employees. We were able to preserve parity with our non-union staff while incentivizing career learning and rewarding longevity among our valued union employees."