The 1199SEIU nursing home workers unanimously voted April 16 to ratify a three-year laborcontract with Rochester Regional’s Unity Living Center.
The union contract comes after an informational picket was held last month outside the facility on Genesee Street.
The union said Rochester Regional workers received a 3% raise last year, and union members will receive an additional 2.75% this year and 3% next year under the new agreement — totaling 8.75% in increases since last year.
Licensed Practical Nurse Kiara Grey-Bradley said she is happy about their new contract.
“It was a fight that we won, and my next goal is to make sure everyone belongs to the union and benefits from the contract,” Grey-Bradley said.
In addition to the wage increases, licensed practical nurses will get a pay increase once they complete their clinical ladders program.
Union members were also able to secure one additional floating holiday, increasing the total to eight holidays. Workers also fought to win an attendance bonus ranging from $75 per quarter for part-timers and $150 per quarter for full-timers if they have no call-offs within the quarter.
Another provision of the new deal includes a “me too” clause to ensure that if Rochester Regional raises wages, nursing home workers at Unity Living Center would receive those same increases.
This new three-year union contract will run through July 31, 2028.
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 1199SEIU workers ratify 3-Year deal with Unity Living Center
Reporting by Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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