Unions, Kaleida Health agree to second contract extension amid negotiations
0
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Unions representing almost 8,000 healthcare workers at Kaleida Health have reached a second extension of their three-year labor deal through June 24, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East announced Friday.
The agreement, involving workers represented by 1199SEIU and Communications Workers of America, follows the first extension that took place at the end of May.
“Kaleida’s proposed changes to staffing language in our contract could increase the nurse to patient ratio," said Johnine Gunsalus, a registered nurse at Oishei Children's Hospital. "Currently, we have staffing ratios that have been agreed upon and we have seen some improvements in staffing. What management is proposing could negatively impact all of the work we have done over the last three years."
Healthcare workers are also asking for a comprehensive wage and benefit package along with the recruitment and retainment of experienced workers.
The current agreement covers workers at Buffalo General Medical Center, Oishei Children's Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, HighPointe on Michigan, DeGraff Medical Park and others.
Bargaining will continue starting at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.