UR, Strong Memorial service workers ratify 'historic' new contract: What we know
Service workers at the University of Rochester and Strong Memorial Hospital ratified a new two-year contract. The agreement was passed by a near-unanimous vote on Friday and covers more than 1,800 workers represented by local chapters of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
In a statement, the union called the agreement "historic", and said it includes significant improvements to staffing, wages, and benefits.
Here's what we know about the agreement:
Minimum wage rises to $15
Wage increases will bring workers above the $15 minimum wage before it is implemented in New York State, according to a statement from union officials.
University officials announced Sunday that the minimum wage increase would apply to all University staff, effective November 21. The increase applies to all union and non-union employees working throughout the University.
"These hardworking employees are the backbone of our University’s operations and make so many important contributions to our education, research, and patient care missions, as has been especially evident throughout the pandemic," said UR President Sarah C. Mangelsdorf. "They are among the individuals who most deserve a lift right now, not a year from now."
A UR statement said the minimum wage increase will affect roughly 1,000 full- and part-time University staff across multiple job classifications.
"The new contract reflects the University’s commitment to paying all employees a $15 minimum wage and providing them career development pathways," the Universoty said on a statement. "SEIU workers in high-vacancy job categories will receive the same staffing incentives available to employees not represented by a union. This agreement supports University goals of equity and fair compensation for all employees, and we are pleased that SEIU members have given it their overwhelming support."
Wage increases for all members
Under the new contract service workers will receive across-the-board wage increases ranging from 4% to 21% in the first year and 2% in year two. The agreement also enacts an increased minimum start rate of $15 per hour for all newly hired staff.
"A living wage start rate will help to recruit and retain new workers, improve staffing levels throughout the hospital/campus, and ensure quality patient care and services to students," the union said in a statement.
To ensure adequate staffing levels, the contract includes staffing incentive pay. Workers who commit to work additional hours if there is a 20% staff vacancy for more than 8-weeks, can earn a bonus.
Dedicated service workers who have been with the hospital and campus for more than 25 years are recognized under the new agreement by the addition of a 25-year step on their wage scale.
Other benefits included
The agreement also includes improvements in employer-provided retirement contributions, long-term disability coverage increases, additional sick days, a paid Juneteenth holiday, more training and education, uniform allowances, childcare funding, and other important benefits.
Union officials praised the effort by its members to stand together and fight for better working conditions. "Their steadfast unity in the face of intense and difficult negotiations with management resulted in an agreement that will benefit employee families and the Rochester community as a whole," the union said in a statement.
What are union workers saying
Service workers at UR and Strong Memorial hospital say the agreement recognizes the important role they play, especially during the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the nursing department and in other areas of the hospital – transportation, food and nutrition, and materials processing department we were all overworked and understaffed every day," says Arleata Robin White, who has worked as a Patient Care Technician at Strong Memorial Hospital for 23 years. "We were just not feeling appreciated, especially when our workload doubled. We were prepared to picket to win a fair contract that included dignity and respect for everything we did during the pandemic and that’s why management came back with a better offer.”
White said the contract shows respect for the work she and her colleagues do, a sentiment that was echoed by others.
"As service workers, we want to be treated equally and with respect," said Tacarah Reyes, a cook at the University of Rochester. "We want to be shown that we are valued and respected. We are all human. We want equal opportunity to make a good living. Our new contract provides the types of benefits we need to take care of our families and feel that we are valued and respected at work."
Who is affected?
The agreement covers service workers represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East at Strong Memorial Hospital and SEIU Local 200United at the University of Rochester campus.
The University is the region’s largest employer.
Contact staff reporter Sean Lahman at slahman@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @seanlahman.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: UR service workers ratify new contract: What we know about agreement
