BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1168 and 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East have reached a tentative agreement with Kaleida Health for a new 3-year collective bargaining agreement. This comes just weeks after union workers voted to authorize a strike if no agreement could be reached.
The agreement covers more than 6,300 healthcare workers at Buffalo General Medical Center, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, HighPointe on Michigan, DeGraff Medical Park, and local clinics.
The contract was extended twice after six months of bargaining. During bargaining, the unions called on Kaleida to invest in recruiting, by adding more positions to meet staffing ratios agreed upon under New York State’s new clinical staffing committee law.
“Our union members stood up and spoke out to demand changes in their workplace, clearly outlining the priorities for this agreement,” said Jim Scordato, 1199SEIU Vice-President for WNY Hospitals. “We successfully negotiated an agreement that will improve the lives of our members.”
During a press conference Monday morning, CWA president, Cori Gambini said this a historic win.
"The members won this contract. I mean, we always say that we're pretty good at what we do at the bargaining table but it is our mobilizers and members who push it, push it over the edge," she said.
Don Boyd, President and CEO of Kaleida Health said, “Despite how challenging it was and the length that it took, this process was all about achieving a fair contract that rewards our current employees, helps attract new staff and puts the organization in a strong position going forward.”
During an afternoon press conference with Boyd, he said this is a win for everyone.
"A win for our employees, a win for Kaleida Health and most importantly a win for our community," he said.
Specifics of the agreement were not discussed until union members were briefed, but Gambini and Scordato hinted at the wins they say they got for the 6,300 healthcare workers.
"We reached all our goals," said Gambini.
Priorities of both unions include:
- Safe staffing
- Job security
- Better wages
- Better pensions
- No concessions
- Respect and dignity
The negotiations is what Gambini said will help recruit and retain workers, especially after leaders said they negotiated to add 500 new positions.
That is what registered nurse Kimberly Kornowski is most proud of.
"They're gonna wanna come that's what we needed to do. We needed them to want to come and work for Kaleida and wanted them to come in and feel like safe when they're working and I feel like we've done a good job and I'm really proud," she said.
Union members will review the tentative agreement and a ratification vote is expected to be held within the coming weeks.
