Nearly 30,000 Nursing Home Caregivers Throughout New York Metro Area Win Strong Contracts, Fend Off Potential Strikes

After months of bargaining, informational pickets and a strike vote, nearly 30,000 nursing home caregivers and other workers at nursing homes throughout New York City, Long Island, Westchester County and Rockland County have reached strong contract agreements with their employers just in time for the holidays. The contracts are modeled after the ground-breaking contract 1199SEIU hospital and nursing home workers reached with employers with the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes in July 2018.

At nursing homes covered by the Greater New York contract, workers also achieved wage parity increases aimed at bringing the lowest paid workers into line with the majority—something which management pushed back on even though ensuring fair wages will help nursing homes recruit and retain qualified staff to care for our vulnerable and elderly community members.

“I have been fighting for parity for 20 years. I was willing to do whatever it took — including going on strike,” said Yolanda Diaz, a Certified Nursing Assistant with Sapphire Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. “This is what you call unity. It shows that we will stand up and what affects one of us affects us all!” Read more here.