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A summer of union action has reaped a three-year contract for workers at four nursing facilities in western New York state, whereas talks have stalled and a strike is planned for employees at five others.

The nursing home workers are part of a joint campaign across for-profit facilities in the region that organized one-day strikes in mid July. Last week, 600 of these employees overwhelmingly voted to ratify a contract with The McGuire Group, which includes a 10-step wage scale, a higher starting wage for new workers, retroactive bonuses and additional raises for long-time caregivers.

Workers also will receive increased employer contributions to their dental and optical plans, and 3% pension increases for each year of the contract, which runs through April 30, 2025, according to their representative, 1199SEIU, United Healthcare Workers East. 

But healthcare professionals and staff members at five other regional nursing facilities are threatening a five-day strike, voting last week to send strike notices to their employers, Elderwood at Lockport, Elderwood at Williamsville, Fiddler’s Green Manor, Humboldt House and Gowanda Nursing & Rehabilitation. Employees continue to negotiate for improved staffing levels, increased compensation for experienced workers and a $15 an hour wage for service workers, among other demands.

The McGuire Group facilities include Autumn View Health Care Facility in Hamburg, Garden Gate Health Care Facility in Cheektowaga, North Gate Health Care Facility in North Tonawanda and Seneca Health Care Facility in West Seneca.

At those buildings, the union represented licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, personal care attendants, housekeeping staff, dietary aides, cooks, laundry aides and maintenance workers.

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