Wage increases are coming to over 1,000 CNY healthcare workers, including those at an Auburn nursing home.
Loretto has reached an agreement with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East to increase pay by 4% each year for the next three years at The Commons on St Anthony and the company’s locations in Syracuse.
Union members at all locations voted in favor of a collective bargaining agreement that also retains existing health insurance, pension, and education benefits. Workers will also see increases in their uniform allowances, longevity bonuses, and shift differentials.
“With everything going on we really needed good news,” said Kristina Dean, Certified Nurse Assistant at The Commons on St. Anthony. “So very happy and proud to say that my coworkers and I got the acknowledgment we have been waiting for quite some time! Our union went above and beyond to make sure the workers got what we deserved,” said Dean.
“I’ve worked here for 35 years and this is the best contract I have ever had,” said Melissa Hughes, Certified Nurse Assistant. “These are the kinds of benefits that make people valued and appreciated and that goes a long way when they are deciding if they should stay here doing this work or go find something else.”
Starting rates for newly hired union workers at Loretto will also increase to $17.50 per hour for Dietary/Housekeeping, $22 per hour for Certified Nurse Assistants, $31 per hour for Licensed Practical Nurses, $19.50 per hour for Home Health Aides (Geriatric Caregiver), and $22 per hour for Maintenance.
The move comes as Loretto looks to improve its post-COVID retention and recruitment at its facilities.
