1199SEIU, CWA reach 3-year labor deal with Kaleida Health

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Two labor unions representing almost 8,000 healthcare workers voted to ratify a new three-year contract with Kaleida Health, 1199SEIU United Workers East announced Thursday night.

The three-year contract goes until May 31, 2028, and comes after three days of voting. The unions agreed to a tentative agreement with Kaleida Health on July 8, avoiding a strike vote.

1199SEIU United Workers East said that its union voted 94% in favor of the deal, and CWA members voted 79.5% in favor of the deal. It includes a 3% wage increase in Year 1, a 3% wage increase in Year 2, and a 4% wage increase in Year 3.

“This contract provides an excellent wage and benefit package and improvements in staffing," said Cori Gambini, RN and CWA Local 1168 President, in a statement. "We have language in the contract that will help us to enforce the agreed upon staffing ratios in the contract. With the combination of the contract and the NYS staffing law, we can positively impact working conditions for our members and provide safe, quality care to our community. We believe this agreement will keep Kaleida Health as the premier employer and best place to receive care in the WNY community."

“We are thrilled for our union members because the bargaining committee was able to settle a 3-year contract with no concessions," said Cheryl Marino, 1199SEIU Administrative Organizer and lead negotiator, in a statement. "This victory includes competitive wages and benefits that further secure our healthcare workforce in WNY. The additional improvements in staffing and employer accountability continue to enforce that Kaleida will be the best place to work in WNY. We are proud of the work we accomplished since March 4 and we will continue to provide the best care to our community."